Huddersfield MP's pledge as violence erupts over Henry Nowak murder and Belfast riots
Huddersfield's MP has pledged to continue fighting for "safer streets" while condemning racially-motivated violence spurred on by the murder of Henry Nowak and a further knife attack in Belfast.Last week, MP for Huddersfield Harpreet Uppal and 10 other Sikh MPs condemned the "hostility towards innocent people" after Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of murdering Henry Nowak. University student Henry was 18 when he was fatally stabbed in Southampton in December 2025.Digwa repeatedly stabbed Henry before falsely claimed to police he had been the victim of a racial assault. The case has sparked significant protests in Southampton, some of which turned violent, and further afield.Last week, Ms Uppal signed a statement posted to X by Preet Kaur Gill MP, condemning the ongoing violence sparked by the case. The statement posted on June 2 said: "We stand in solidarity with the family and loved ones of Henry Nowak following the senseless and tragic loss of his life...The legal process operated as it should, with no special treatment, no religious exemption protecting criminal behaviour, and justice delivered through the rule of law."The judge was clear that Digwa abused the responsibilities that accompany religious freedoms and that his actions stirred racial tension and caused fear within the Sikh community itself."Sikh organisations, gurdwaras and community leaders have been swift, public and unequivocal in condemning Digwa's actions and the false claims he made in an apparent attempt to evade responsibility for his crime."Less than a week after the statement was published, a near-fatal stabbing incident involving an NHS radiographer in Belfast sparked racially motivated riots across Northern Ireland's capital, after it transpired that the attacker was a Sudanese man. During this week's PMQs (June 10), Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer branded the disorder in Belfast "shocking and completely unacceptable", adding: 'It is clear that (victims in Belfast) were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it."Now, MP Uppal has pledged to work "tirelessly" to tackle knife crime, prevent antisocial behaviour, and ensure our streets are safer for everyone. Ms Uppal said: "It is deeply disturbing that anyone would seek to use Henry’s tragic death as a tool to spread hatred or division. Like most people, I am both disgusted and appalled by such actions. There is no place in our society for those who exploit sorrow to deepen divides, especially when the families of those affected have called for calm."We (have also) witnessed horrific scenes this week in Northern Ireland following the attack on Stephen Ogilvie. Using such horrendous attacks to fuel division and hate has no place in our society. It is incumbent on people in positions of leadership at such times to show responsibility and not seek to exploit such horrific events."Ms Uppal stressed that knife homicides are "at their lowest level in a decade", but has continued to pledge to work with the government to reduce these rates further. She said: "I remain committed to working tirelessly with partners across our community - including local organisations, law enforcement, and national government - to tackle knife crime, prevent antisocial behaviour, and ensure our streets are safer for everyone."This includes focusing on early intervention and education, providing young people with positive opportunities, and supporting robust enforcement measures...I will continue to hold the Government to account to ensure this remains a priority."Get all the latest and breaking Huddersfield news straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here.Get breaking news in Yorkshire straight to your phoneGet all the latest big and breaking Yorkshire news straight to your mobile via WhatsApp by clicking here.If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here.
