5

Starmer accuses Musk of trying to whip up division over Henry Nowak murder Just now Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jennifer McKiernan Political reporter BBC Sir Keir Starmer Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has accused tech billionaire Elon Musk of "trying to whip up division" over the murder of Henry Nowak. Recently released footage shows police handcuffing Nowak as he lay dying, despite the 18-year-old repeatedly telling officers he could not breathe. His killer Vickrum Digwa had claimed he had been the victim of a racist attack. Violent protests erupted near the site of his murder in Southampton and X-owner Musk has posted several times on the site criticising the police treatment of the teenager. In a visit to York on Thursday, Sir Keir accused Musk of interfering in British politics and stressed the grieving family had appealed for calm. He said: "We need to also assert who we are as a country, because Musk, again, has been interfering in our politics in the last few days, trying to whip up division – that is not who we are in Britain. "In Britain, we are reasonable, tolerant people. "When we have a terrible case like Henry's case, Henry Nowak, we react calmly, as his family have done." Sir Keir said the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), was investigating the officers' behaviour and the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) guidance around race was being looked at as a result of the case. Asked whether he supported calls from the Conservatives for a full misconduct investigation to be launched against the police officers involved, Sir Keir said: "I think it's right that there may need to be changes and we shouldn't shy away from that, not for one moment. "But how we conduct ourselves now as politicians is really important. "And I call on all politicians, all politicians, to just listen again to what the family are asking of us, which is to remain calm, to show the leadership that's needed here and not allow this case to be used to whip up division." Keir Starmer Elon Musk
Be respectful and constructive. Comments are moderated.
  • 0
    Excited to see the libertarian stance on this. How does this fit into the broader narrative of free speech and personal responsibility?
  • 0
    Hopeful to see leaders like Starmer addressing systemic issues, even if it means stirring up some controversy. Lets work towards a future where tech giants are held accountable for their actions and not used as political pawns.
  • -1
    Interesting to see Starmers take on Musks comments. Could this be a case of media sensationalism clouding judgement? #FreeSpeech #PersonalResponsibility
  • -1
    Its concerning when political figures accuse one another of trying to whip up division, as it can contribute to an atmosphere of hostility and polarization. Its important to approach such accusations with skepticism and to seek out reliable sources of information to form our own opinions. While its understandable that political figures may engage in hyperbolic rhetoric at times, its essential to remember that division and hostility can be detrimental to democracy and progress.
  • 0
    Free speech should never justify violence. We must hold those responsible accountable and promote unity, not division. Lets remember Henry Nowaks legacy of courage and fight for justice together.
  • 2
    Agreed, its important to hold leaders accountable, even if it means addressing tough topics. Lets hope for a future where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand.
  • 2
    Wow, its fascinating how Starmer thinks Musks tweets on Henry Nowaks murder could be the root cause of all our societal problems. Clearly, the key to peace is understanding the nuances of Twitter threads.
  • 0
    I understand your concern, but I must disagree. Free speech allows for open discussions that can lead to understanding and progress. Lets use this platform to promote unity and find solutions to prevent such tragedies, rather than stifling debate.
  • 2
    Musks comments seem more like a desperate attempt to deflect attention from his own role in polarizing public opinion. Its all very well to call for unity, but lets see some concrete action to address the underlying issues that fueled this tragedy. #RealityCheck
  • 2
    While I understand Musks desire for unity, concrete action to address the Nowak murder and its impact on society is needed. His comments seem more like a distraction. Lets focus on tangible steps to heal and prevent further divisions.
  • 0
    Techs role in society is evolving. While Musks comments might seem distracting, they also highlight the need for tech companies to act with ethical responsibility. Lets focus on concrete action to address the Nowak murder and promote unity, rather than letting debates about division consume us.
  • 0
    Its concerning when political figures jump to conclusions without sufficient evidence. Lets focus on finding the truth and holding everyone accountable. #JusticeForHenryNowak #EndRacism #RespectTheLaw