🔗 Share this article

The Prime Minister has condemned Robert Jenrick's remarks about the lack of white faces in parts of Birmingham, stating the MP was hard to take seriously.

Political Ambitions Claims

Starmer implied that Jenrick's observations were part of a stealth Tory bid for leadership and said he did not believe they painted a true picture the neighborhood of Handsworth.

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

Jenrick has been accused of fuelling a wave of divisive sentiment after he reiterated his remarks despite backlash from individuals including the ex-Tory mayor of the region, the former mayor.

Community Response and Defense

Starmer, who avoided directly addressing the comments, said he had agreed with Andy Street's criticisms of Jenrick.

• The former mayor had told the media the remarks were wrong and portrayed Handsworth as a highly cohesive community.
• 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.

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

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

Internal Disagreements

Mel Stride became the first senior Tory to distance himself from Jenrick over the comments, informing a Politico fringe event that they were phrases I would have avoided.

Jenrick repeatedly told interviewers at the conference that he stood by the remarks and did not retract them as it would be wrong to end a crucial discussion that we have to have as a country about integration.

When a Sky News journalist put it to him that his comments could embolden far-right groups, Jenrick said it was an absolutely disgraceful and ridiculous question.

Initial Statements

In his initial comments, Jenrick said the area was one of the worst integrated places I’ve ever been to. Specifically, in the hour and a half he was filming news there he observed no other white individuals.

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.