Comedian John Cleese has launched a sharply worded attack on Keir Starmer, accusing the Prime Minister’s Government of “appalling incompetence” and “two-tier policing” in the wake of violent disorder in Southampton linked to the murder of Henry Nowak.
The Monty Python star intervened in the escalating political row on X, responding to comments made by the Prime Minister in Parliament following clashes in the city, where police officers were targeted during unrest after the release of body-worn camera footage relating to the case.
In his post, Cleese wrote that it was “unlikely” the Government would admit responsibility for public anger, which he attributed to “appalling incompetence” and what he described as “two-tier policing” policies.
“Nothing good will happen till he’s gone,” he added, in an unusually direct political intervention from the veteran performer.
Unlikely he will admit that the anger was caused by his cabinet's appalling incompetence, and the two-tier policing they imposed
Nothing good will happen till he's gone https://t.co/mVINV8srhE
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) June 3, 2026
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, had earlier condemned the disorder in the Commons, describing attacks on police officers in Southampton as “disgraceful and completely unacceptable” and insisting there was “no justification for violence or disorder”.
He told MPs that those involved in the unrest would face prosecution, adding: “We will ensure anyone found engaging in disorder meets the full force of the law.”
Cleese doubled down on his criticism in a further post, arguing that it was “unfair government policies and totally misguided policing” that had contributed to the unrest, and accusing ministers of attempting to deflect blame onto those highlighting institutional failings.
The comments come after more than 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station, initially holding a minute’s silence for Mr Nowak before the protest descended into violence. Police said officers were targeted with bottles, bins and other objects, with 11 officers and a police dog injured during the clashes.
The unrest followed the release of body-worn camera footage showing officers handcuffing Mr Nowak after the man later convicted of his murder, Vickrum Digwa, falsely claimed he had been racially abused. The footage also showed the teenager telling officers he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe.
Digwa, 23, was subsequently jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years for murder. The Independent Office for Police Conduct continues to investigate the actions of officers involved in the initial response.
The intervention by Cleese adds a prominent cultural voice to an already polarised debate over policing, accountability and public trust, with critics warning that high-profile commentary risks inflaming tensions further, while supporters argue it reflects wider frustration with institutional decision-making.
The controversy is now drawing in figures beyond politics, underlining how the case has become a focal point for broader disputes over policing standards, public confidence and political responsibility.
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