UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has said he directly challenged US Vice-President JD Vance over comments he made about the killing of British teenager Henry Nowak.

Vance had suggested the fatal stabbing was linked to what he described as a “mass invasion of migrants”, framing the incident as evidence of broader civilisational decline.

Lammy rejected this interpretation, stating clearly that the crime had “nothing to do with mass migration” and describing Vance’s claims as a mischaracterisation.

Henry Nowak, 18, was murdered in Southampton in December by Vickrum Digwa, a British-born man who falsely claimed he acted in self-defence after alleged racist abuse.Digwa was later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.The case drew national attention, particularly after bodycam footage showed police restraining Nowak while the attacker initially misled officers.The incident also sparked protests and renewed debate about policing, knife crime, and public trust.Lammy said his conversation with Vance was “robust” but “agreeable”, noting their longstanding professional relationship despite clear disagreements.He emphasised that Nowak’s family had urged restraint and unity, warning against exploiting the tragedy to inflame division.Downing Street also criticised attempts to use the case to interfere in democratic discourse or deepen social tensions.The controversy has extended into wider discussions about policing and race.The National Police Chiefs’ Council is reviewing language in an anti-racism document following criticism.

Meanwhile, Reform UK figures argued the case reflects systemic issues, including claims about institutional bias within policing, which Lammy partially disputed while acknowledging disparities in the justice system.

Overall, the episode highlights tensions between UK and US political narratives on crime, migration, and social cohesion, as well as the sensitivity surrounding high-profile criminal cases.