Robert Jenrick MP: “One of the Worst Policing Scandals I Can Remember”.
“We must get rid of these race action plans that have created this culture within police forces and DEI because in the name of anti-racism we actually have seen racism and discrimination begin against white people. That’s wrong, it has to end.”
The death of 21-year-old Henry Nowak has sparked sadness, anger and intense debate about policing, accountability and public trust. Speaking exclusively to The Havering Daily, Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick said the circumstances surrounding Henry’s death should serve as a watershed moment for policing in Britain and called for significant changes to the way police forces operate.
Mr Jenrick did not hold back in his assessment of the case.
“Anyone who watched the bodycam footage would have been shocked and angered at what happened. It is one of the worst scandals in policing that I can remember. We have to make sure this never happens again. Henry Nowak’s death must be a turning point and we do not see a young lad being treated in that appalling fashion in the future.”
The MP said he believes the answer lies in a return to the principle of equality before the law and argued that police officers should treat all members of the public in exactly the same way regardless of their background.
“How do we do this? We want to return to equality before the law. Everyone being treated equally by the police regardless of the colour of their skin. And that is not what is happening at the moment.”
Mr Jenrick went on to criticise existing guidance issued to police forces, claiming it encourages officers to take race into account when making decisions.
“There is guidance that has been put out to police forces which literally instructs police officers not to act in a colour-blind way and to treat someone differently at the scene of a crime depending on the colour of their skin. That is wrong and has to change.”
The Reform UK MP said his party is proposing legislative changes that would place equal treatment at the heart of policing.
“At Reform we are calling for the law to be changed or a new law to be brought forward — the Equal Treatment Act — that will instruct police forces to treat everybody equally regardless of the colour of their skin.”
He also called for an end to race action plans and diversity, equality and inclusion policies within policing, arguing that they have contributed to unequal treatment.
“To get rid of these race action plans that have created this culture within police forces and DEI because in the name of anti-racism we actually have seen racism and discrimination begin against white people. That’s wrong, it has to end.”
Mr Jenrick concluded by returning to what he sees as a fundamental principle that should underpin British policing.
“The age-old British principle — equality before the law — that is what I want us to return to.”
The case of Henry Nowak has prompted strong reactions from across the political spectrum and among members of the public. While views differ on the causes and solutions, there is widespread agreement that the loss of a young life in such circumstances is a tragedy.
For Mr Jenrick, the case represents more than a single incident. He believes it should mark a moment of reflection for policing in Britain and a catalyst for reform.
“Henry Nowak’s death must be a turning point.”
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