Sir Malcolm Walker, the founder of Iceland, has echoed controversial claims of a 'two-tier' policing system in the UK following an incident at his north London store where a staff member was arrested after a customer alleged racial targeting.
Background of the Incident
The claims first emerged after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage commented on the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed while dying after his killer, Vickrum Digwa, claimed racist abuse. Farage stated, 'We need a change in culture. Enough of anti-white prejudice. A promotion of the idea that white lives matter just as much as black lives.'
Sir Malcolm told the Daily Mail that a black customer in an Enfield store complained of being racially targeted by a supervisor after opening milk bottles from a fridge. When confronted, the customer recorded the interaction and complained about his treatment. The staff member was arrested and held for up to three hours before the matter was dropped.
Sir Malcolm's Criticism
The chairman criticized the police response as 'madness' and 'over-the-top'. He added that staff face weekly abuse, including threats with hypodermic needles or knives, but most incidents go unreported because 'it doesn't seem to make a difference'. His complaint was dismissed by both the Metropolitan Police and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).
Police Response
The Met Police stated they police 'without fear or favour' and aim to serve all communities equally, with decisions based on 'legal principles'. A spokesperson said, 'As the public would expect, we police London without fear or favour and strive to serve all communities equally. As society and politics become more polarised, it is vital policing remains impartial, and all operational decisions are grounded in legal principles.'
Officers attended the Enfield store in August 2024 following reports of racially aggravated harassment by a staff member. A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence, later released on bail while CCTV and witness evidence were examined. Sir Malcolm's complaint and appeal to MOPAC were rejected as police acted reasonably and proportionately.
Political Reactions
During PMQs, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer rejected Farage's characterisation of policing, expressing shock that Farage 'pretends to have respect for Henry's family and then acts in this way', referencing the Nowak family's wish for their son's death not to cause division.
