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

Political Ambitions Claims

Starmer implied that Jenrick's observations were part of a covert Conservative leadership campaign and said he did not believe they painted a true picture the area of Handsworth.

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

The shadow justice secretary has been accused of fuelling a fire of toxic nationalism after he doubled down on his complaint despite criticism from individuals including the ex-Tory mayor of the region, Andy Street.

Community Response and Defense

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

• The former mayor had stated to BBC Newsnight the comments were incorrect and portrayed the area as a highly cohesive community.
• I think that what Andy Street said was right, Starmer said. Andy Street obviously was mayor for a long time and knows the area very very well.

Kemi Badenoch, supported Jenrick, saying he had made a factual statement and that there was no issue with noting realities.

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

Party Divisions

Mel Stride became the first senior Tory to distance himself from his colleague over the comments, telling a Politico fringe event that they were not words that I would have used.

The MP repeatedly told journalists at the conference that he stood by the remarks and did not resile from them as it would be wrong to end a crucial discussion that the nation needs to engage in about integration.

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

Initial Remarks

In his original remarks, the MP said Handsworth was among the least cohesive locations I have visited. In fact, in the 90 minutes he was filming news there he observed no other white individuals.

That’s not the kind of country I want to live in. I want to live in a country where people are properly integrated. It’s not about the colour of your skin or your faith – of course it isn’t. But I want people to be living alongside each other, not parallel lives. That’s not the right way we want to live as a country.