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Keir Starmer has condemned Robert Jenrick's remarks about the lack of white faces in parts of Birmingham, stating the politician was hard to take seriously.

Leadership Campaign Claims

The prime minister suggested that Jenrick's observations were linked to a stealth Tory bid for leadership and said he did not believe they accurately reflected the neighborhood 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 criticism from figures including the ex-Tory mayor of the region, Andy Street.

Local Response and Support

Starmer, who avoided directly addressing the statements, said he had supported Andy Street's criticisms of Jenrick.

• Street had told BBC Newsnight the remarks were incorrect and portrayed the area as a very integrated place.
• 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.

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

The shadow chancellor became the first senior Tory to disassociate from his colleague over the statements, telling a gathering that they were not words that I would have used.

Jenrick repeatedly told interviewers at the conference that he supported the comments and did not resile from them as it would be wrong to shut down an important debate that the nation needs to engage in about social cohesion.

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

Initial Statements

In his initial comments, Jenrick said Handsworth was one of the worst integrated places I’ve ever been to. In fact, in the hour and a half he was filming news there 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.