Justice Secretary David Lammy has stated that Sikhs are granted a 'privilege' to carry a ceremonial blade as part of their faith, but this can be 'taken away' if necessary for public safety. The remarks come in the wake of the murder of Henry Nowak, whose killer, Vickrum Digwa, claimed he was carrying the blade used in the attack for religious reasons.
Background on the Kirpan
Many Amritdhari Sikhs carry a knife called a kirpan, one of the 'Five Ks' items that must be kept on them at all times. This practice has come under scrutiny since Digwa's assertion, which has been met with indignation from the British Sikh community. The Sikh Federation stated that the weapon used was not a kirpan. Labour MP Tan Dhesi, a Sikh, wrote in the Telegraph: 'Sikhs are strictly instructed by their faith to never misuse a kirpan and understand that carrying one comes with a huge responsibility.'
Calls for a Ban
Calls to ban the blade have grown since the trial ended, with Reform UK and Rupert Lowe's far-right party Restore promising to do so. In an interview on Sky News, Lammy expressed doubt about whether the killing was religiously motivated, noting that carrying a blade used to harm life is illegal in the UK. He compared the 'privilege' of carrying a kirpan to the previous public ability to watch proceedings in the House of Commons without glass barriers, a privilege withdrawn due to poor behaviour.
Comparison to Scottish Tradition
Lammy also addressed the Scottish tradition of carrying a sgian dubh in their kilt sock, questioning whether a ban would affect this practice. He said: 'Right across the country, Sikhs, Scots, for ceremonial purposes, cultural purposes, carrying relatively small blades goes on peacefully every single day of the week, and we should remember that. But it is a privilege, and wherever there's a privilege, that can be taken away if it doesn't command the full confidence of the public.'
Reactions and Related Issues
Lammy described the video of Henry Nowak's final moments, in which police handcuff him despite his repeated claims of being stabbed, as 'deeply traumatic'. He said it brought back memories of George Floyd and Stephen Lawrence. The Deputy PM also revealed he told US Vice President JD Vance he was wrong to suggest mass migration was to blame for the murder. Reform leader Nigel Farage claimed the death resulted from 'anti-white prejudice', while Reform home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said the police is 'institutionally racist'.
