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Keir Starmer has condemned Robert Jenrick's statements about not seeing another white face in parts of Birmingham, suggesting the MP was difficult to regard credibly.

Leadership Campaign Claims

The prime minister implied that his observations were linked to a covert Tory bid for leadership and said he did not believe they painted a true picture the neighborhood of Handsworth.

It’s quite hard to take anything that Robert Jenrick says seriously; he’s clearly still running his leadership campaign.

The shadow justice secretary has been criticized for igniting a fire of toxic nationalism after he doubled down on his remarks despite criticism from figures including the former Conservative mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street.

Community Rejection and Defense

The prime minister, who did not directly engage the comments, said he had agreed with Andy Street's criticisms of the MP.

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

The Conservative leader, defended him, saying he had made a truthful observation and that there was nothing wrong with making observations.

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

Party Divisions

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

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

When a reporter put it to him that his remarks could embolden far-right groups, Jenrick said it was an completely unacceptable and absurd question.

Original Remarks

In his initial comments, the MP said Handsworth was among the least cohesive locations I have visited. Specifically, in the 90 minutes he was recording in the area 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.