UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused tech billionaire Elon Musk of “trying to whip up division in the UK” following the murder of Henry Nowak, a case that has already sparked widespread public debate and political reactions.
Violent protests broke out in Southampton after the release of bodycam footage showing police handcuffing 18-year-old Nowak as he lay dying. His killer, Vickrum Digwa, had claimed he was the victim of a racist attack.
The footage of Nowak’s final moments triggered a wave of political commentary, including criticism from X owner Elon Musk, who questioned the police’s handling of the incident in a post on the platform last December.
Reacting to Musk’s remarks, the Labour leader warned that such interventions risk deepening societal divisions and undermining efforts to maintain unity during a period of national grief.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Starmer said his concerns were rooted in the need to protect public discourse from harmful rhetoric. He stressed that political leaders and influential figures must act responsibly, especially when addressing sensitive issues such as violent crime.
“You cannot exploit tragedy to sow discord,” Starmer said, adding that “attempts to weaponise grief for division are reckless and dangerous.”
He insisted that the UK must remain focused on justice for victims and solidarity with affected families.