🔗 Share this article

Keir Starmer has condemned Robert Jenrick's remarks about not seeing another white face in parts of Handsworth, suggesting the politician was hard to take seriously.

Political Ambitions Claims

The prime minister implied that Jenrick's observations were linked to a stealth Conservative leadership campaign and said he did not believe they painted a true picture the neighborhood of the Birmingham district.

I find it difficult to regard Robert Jenrick's statements as credible; he's obviously continuing his leadership campaign.

Jenrick has been criticized for igniting a fire of toxic nationalism after he doubled down on his complaint despite backlash from figures including the ex-Tory mayor of the region, Andy Street.

Local Response and Defense

Starmer, who did not directly engage the statements, said he had supported Street's objections of Jenrick.

• Street had told BBC Newsnight the remarks were wrong and portrayed Handsworth as a very integrated place.
• In my view, Andy Street's comments were accurate, Starmer said. Having served as mayor for an extended period, Andy Street possesses deep familiarity with the locality.

Kemi Badenoch, defended Jenrick, saying he had made a truthful observation and that there was nothing wrong with making observations.

However, she added on the program: In my opinion, the discussion should not focus on the number or appearance of individuals seen on streets.

Party Disagreements

Mel Stride became the initial high-ranking Conservative to disassociate from Jenrick over the comments, informing a gathering that they were not words that I would have used.

The MP repeatedly informed journalists at the event that he supported the remarks and did not resile from them as it would be wrong to shut down an important debate that the nation needs to engage in about social cohesion.

When a Sky News journalist suggested that his comments could encourage extremist organizations, Jenrick said it was an completely unacceptable and absurd question.

Initial Remarks

In his initial comments, the MP said the area was among the least cohesive locations I have visited. Specifically, in the hour and a half he was filming news there he didn’t see another white face.

This is not the nation I desire to reside in. I prefer a country with proper integration. Skin color or religion is not the issue—naturally not. However, I advocate for people coexisting together, not leading separate existences. That is not the ideal lifestyle for our country.