Foreign Secretary David Lammy has firmly rejected criticism from the US State Department over claims of “two-tier policing” in the UK following the murder of Southampton student Henry Nowak.

The debate intensified after the conviction of Vickrum Digwa, who was jailed for 21 years for fatally stabbing 18-year-old Nowak. The case attracted international attention after police initially detained and handcuffed the victim following allegations made by the attacker before officers discovered the severity of his injuries.

Responding to comments from the US State Department, which described alleged “two-tier policing” as a symptom of societal decline, Lammy said he did not recognize such a system in Britain.

Speaking in media interviews, Lammy stated that he rejects the characterization entirely and emphasized confidence in UK policing institutions. However, he welcomed ongoing reviews of anti-racism guidance by police leaders, saying the public deserves greater clarity and transparency in how officers respond to complex incidents.

The remarks come as scrutiny continues over police procedures and decision-making in the aftermath of the high-profile Southampton case.