The criticism directed at the Anti-Racism Commitment in policing is being viewed as an attempt to politicize the issue rather than genuine scrutiny, according to Tory Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp. Philp suggests that the concept of “two-tier policing” is endangering lives, linking Henry Nowak’s murder to other serious incidents and claiming that the Commitment reflects an influence of “extreme activists” on policing.
Philp’s critique of the “two-tier” policing approach seems to stem from a suspicion towards any efforts to address racial inequalities. Moreover, his argument could have carried more weight if he had actively participated in the discussions surrounding the program during his tenure as Policing Minister.
Over a five-year period, I led the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board, which assessed the Police Race Action Plan—a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing policing for Black individuals, particularly concerning the use of powers and force. Our scrutiny of the Police Race Action Plan often highlighted shortcomings in its implementation, including its pace, structure, metrics, communication, and engagement. It is crucial that anti-racism initiatives are open to critique. However, Philp failed to engage with the Race Action Plan team, the Oversight Board, or contribute to enhancing the program.
The Police’s Anti-racism Commitment, which Philp has criticized, was introduced in March 2025 with a foreword by Labour’s Policing Minister, Diana Johnson. If Philp had genuine concerns, he had the opportunity to address them while in office by seeking evidence, questioning the wording, and advocating for clearer guidelines, but he did not take these steps.
The Commitment was the result of extensive collaboration between the Action Plan team, anti-racism experts, community representatives, policing organizations, and oversight bodies. Despite any imperfections in its wording, the Commitment aims to address the pressing issue of how policing should confront racial disparities without denying their existence.
Philp interprets the Commitment’s emphasis on racial equity as advocating for differential treatment based on skin color. However, the essence of the Commitment is to encourage the police to acknowledge diverse needs and experiences, including those influenced by race, in order to promote fairness and minimize harm.
If the failures in handling Henry Nowak’s case are confirmed, they underscore the type of flawed judgment that anti-racist policing aims to prevent. Anti-racism initiatives strive to make policing more evidence-based and transparent. For instance, the program contributed to the formulation of national guidelines on the use of body-worn cameras, leading to the majority of forces now recording audio alongside video in their cameras’ pre-record function.
Various anti-racism groups and civil society organizations have long been advocating for improved decision-making, enhanced accountability, and a more equitable distribution of state intervention, working towards better policing practices. Organizations like INQUEST have dedicated years to supporting bereaved families following deaths in custody and advocating for reforms in restraint techniques, healthcare provision, crisis responses, and accountability measures.
The primary focus of such initiatives is on preventing harm rather than justifying it. Failing to address unverified claims of racial abuse, neglecting to assess an individual’s medical needs, or treating a vulnerable individual as a suspect rather than providing protection does not align with the principles of anti-racist policing; it simply reflects inadequate policing practices.
It is easier to dismiss “so-called anti-racist campaigners” through rhetoric or parliamentary debates than to engage with affected families, solid evidence, and systemic issues. Constructive engagement requires a deeper level of seriousness and commitment beyond mere words.
Abandoning anti-racism commitments due to misinterpretations would be an inappropriate response to Henry Nowak’s tragic death. The appropriate course of action following such an incident is a thorough investigation into the police response, identification of any failures, and ensuring that officers are better equipped to assess evidence, risks, and vulnerabilities in the future.
Individuals who previously had the opportunity to engage meaningfully with these initiatives during their tenure should exercise caution when positioning themselves as staunch critics now. True scrutiny demands a higher level of dedication and thoroughness.
