
The Nowak murder: when tragedy meets politics
From Political Fix by Financial Times
June 5, 2026 · 46 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the political implications of the Nowak murder case and its impact on public trust in policing and UK institutions.
What began as a local tragedy in Southampton has quickly become a national flashpoint. Questions about policing and trust in UK institutions are dominating the debate, as party leaders compete to shape the public response, but are politicians missing the point that this is about police treatment of suspects? With the Makerfield by-election looming, the case risks sharpening divides. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Stephen Bush, Miranda Green and Chris Smyth to discuss the political fallout, plus the latest in Andy Burnham’s campaign. The panel also consider what Sir Keir Starmer is looking to cross off his bucket list as his allies suggest it increasingly appears a fait accompli that he will be forced out of Downing Street. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmiranda & @greenmirandahere.bsky.social and Chris @Smyth_Chris Join us on Thursday the 25th of June for a special video episode of the Political Fix podcast on Ten Years after Brexit: can the UK deliver change? Register at ft.com/anniversary and send us your questions Want more? What if Andy Burnham loses? What…
People in this episode
Host: Lucy Fisher
Guests: Stephen Bush, Miranda Green, Chris Smyth
Topics covered
- policing
- political response
- public trust
- by-elections
- UK institutions
- political fallout
Keywords
- Nowak murder
- policing
- politics
- public trust
- by-election
- Keir Starmer
- Andy Burnham
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Southampton
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