Chicago – June 05, 2026
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned what he described as attempts to “interfere in our democracy” after US Vice President JD Vance blamed “mass migration” for the death of British student Henry Nowak. Starmer’s office said the family of the 18-year-old victim did not want his death used to create “further division, hatred or tension,” urging respect for their wishes.
Vance’s comments on X sparked fresh transatlantic tensions after he argued that Nowak would still be alive if European leaders had resisted migration policies. He called the killing “tragic as it is enraging” and linked it to what he described as civilizational decline.
The case has already fueled unrest in the UK, with protests and debates over policing, race and political violence. Starmer has repeatedly warned against exploiting the murder for political gain, saying the country should respond with calm and unity rather than anger.
The controversy now underscores widening tensions between London and Washington over migration, free speech and political rhetoric.
