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

Political Ambitions Accusations

Starmer implied that Jenrick's observations were part of a stealth Conservative bid for leadership and asserted 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 criticized for igniting a fire of toxic nationalism after he reiterated his remarks despite backlash from individuals including the former Conservative mayor of the region, Andy Street.

Local Rejection and Support

The prime minister, who avoided directly addressing the statements, said he had supported Andy Street's objections of the MP.

• The former mayor had stated to BBC Newsnight the comments were incorrect and portrayed Handsworth as a very integrated place.
• I think that what Andy Street said was right, the prime minister 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 factual statement and that there was nothing wrong with making observations.

However, she added on BBC Breakfast: I don’t think this is where the debate should be, about how many faces people see on the street and what they look like.

Internal Divisions

The shadow chancellor became the first senior Tory to distance himself from Jenrick over the statements, informing a Politico fringe event that they were phrases I would have avoided.

The MP repeatedly informed interviewers at the event that he supported the comments and did not resile from them as it would be wrong to shut down an important debate that we have to have as a country about social cohesion.

When a Sky News journalist put it to him that his comments could encourage far-right groups, he said it was an completely unacceptable and absurd question.

Original Remarks

In his initial comments, the MP said Handsworth was among the least cohesive locations I have visited. Specifically, in the 90 minutes 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.