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

Political Ambitions Accusations

Starmer suggested that Jenrick's observations were part of a covert Tory leadership campaign and said he did not believe they accurately reflected 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 criticized for igniting a fire of toxic nationalism after he reiterated his remarks despite criticism from individuals including the former Conservative mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street.

Community Response and Defense

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

• Street had stated to BBC Newsnight the remarks were incorrect and portrayed Handsworth as a very integrated place.
• In my view, Andy Street's comments were accurate, Starmer said. Andy Street obviously was mayor for a long time and knows the area very very well.

The Conservative leader, supported him, saying he had made a factual statement 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 Divisions

Mel Stride became the first senior Tory to disassociate from Jenrick over the comments, informing a gathering that they were not words that I would have used.

The MP repeatedly informed interviewers at the conference that he supported the comments 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 Sky News journalist suggested that his comments could encourage far-right groups, Jenrick said it was an absolutely disgraceful and ridiculous inquiry.

Original Statements

In his original remarks, Jenrick said the area 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.