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Keir Starmer has criticized Robert Jenrick's remarks about not seeing another white face in areas of Handsworth, suggesting the politician was difficult to regard credibly.

Political Ambitions Claims

Starmer implied that Jenrick's observations were linked to a covert Conservative bid for leadership and asserted he did not believe they painted a true picture the area of the Birmingham district.

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

Local Response and Support

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

• The former mayor had stated to BBC Newsnight the remarks were wrong and described the area as a very integrated place.
• I think that what Andy Street said was right, Starmer said. Having served as mayor for an extended period, Andy Street possesses deep familiarity with the locality.

Kemi Badenoch, defended him, saying he had made a truthful observation and that there was no issue with noting realities.

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, informing a gathering that they were phrases I would have avoided.

The MP repeatedly told interviewers 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 social cohesion.

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

Original Remarks

In his initial comments, Jenrick said the area was among the least cohesive locations I have visited. In fact, in the 90 minutes he was recording in the area he didn’t see another white face.

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.