The recent criticisms directed at the Police’s Anti-Racism Commitment are being portrayed as a means to spark cultural controversy rather than genuine scrutiny, according to Chris Philp, the Tory Shadow Home Secretary. Philp claims that the concept of “two-tier policing” is endangering lives, drawing connections between Henry Nowak’s tragic murder and other serious incidents, and alleging that the Commitment reflects the influence of “extreme activists” over policing.
Philp’s assertion regarding the “two-tier” policing approach hinges on treating any efforts to address racial disparities with suspicion from the outset. Moreover, his critique would carry more weight if he had actively participated in the initiatives aimed at fostering these discussions during his tenure as Policing Minister.
Having chaired the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board for five years, which assessed the Police Race Action Plan – a nationwide initiative targeting the enhancement of policing for Black individuals, notably regarding the use of powers and force – it was evident that there were significant disparities. For instance, statistics revealed that Black men were seven times more likely to die following police restraint, while Black individuals were five times more likely to face the use of tasers and Black children eight times more likely to undergo strip searches.
Despite our frequent criticisms of the Police Race Action Plan’s implementation pace, structure, metrics, communication, and engagement, it is crucial that anti-racism efforts are not shielded from constructive critique. In contrast, Philp failed to engage with the Race Action Plan team, the Oversight Board, or undertake the necessary efforts to comprehend and enhance the program.
The Police’s Anti-Racism Commitment, which Philp has taken issue with, was introduced in March 2025 with an endorsement from Diana Johnson, the Labour Policing Minister. Had Philp harbored genuine concerns, he could have addressed them during his time in office by seeking evidence, challenging the language used, and advocating for clearer guidelines, which he did not do.
The development of the Commitment was the product of extensive collaboration between the Action Plan team, anti-racism experts, community representatives, policing authorities, and oversight bodies. Despite potential imperfections in its wording, the Commitment endeavors to address a critical question: how should policing confront racial disparities without overlooking their existence?
Philp portrays the Commitment’s emphasis on racial equity as a call to treat individuals differently based on their skin color. However, the section he references actually urges law enforcement to acknowledge diverse needs and experiences, including those influenced by race, to mitigate harm and ensure equitable treatment.
If the police’s lapses in handling Henry Nowak’s case are substantiated, they underscore the kind of flawed judgment that anti-racist policing aims to prevent. Anti-racism initiatives are designed to render policing more evidence-based and transparent. Notably, the program contributed to the formulation of national guidelines regarding the use of body-worn cameras, with the majority of forces now recording audio alongside video in their cameras’ pre-record function.
For years, anti-racism groups and civil society organizations have been challenging inadequate decisions, weak accountability, and the unequal impact of state-inflicted harm, advocating for enhanced policing standards. INQUEST, for instance, has been actively supporting bereaved families following deaths in custody and advocating for reforms in restraint procedures, healthcare provisions, crisis responses, and accountability measures.
The primary goal of this work is to prevent harm, not justify it. If officers unreservedly accept unverified allegations of racial abuse, fail to assess a person’s medical needs, or treat a vulnerable individual as a suspect, it does not align with anti-racist policing principles but rather signifies poor policing practices.
It is far simpler to dismiss “so-called anti-racist campaigners” in rhetoric or parliamentary debates than to engage with grieving families, substantial evidence, and state-inflicted harm, which necessitates a serious approach.
Discontinuing anti-racism commitments due to misinterpretations would be an inappropriate response to Henry Nowak’s tragic death. The appropriate reaction would entail a comprehensive investigation into the police’s actions, identifying potential shortcomings, and ensuring that law enforcement officers are adequately equipped to evaluate evidence, risks, and vulnerabilities in the future.
Individuals who failed to engage earnestly with this endeavor when they held influential positions should exercise caution in assuming the role of its staunchest critics now. Post-event certainties are easily claimed, whereas genuine scrutiny demands significant effort.