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The Prime Minister has condemned Robert Jenrick's remarks about not seeing another white face in parts of Birmingham, suggesting the MP was hard to take seriously.

Leadership Campaign Claims

The prime minister implied that his observations were linked to a stealth Conservative leadership campaign and asserted 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.

The shadow justice secretary has been accused of fuelling a fire of toxic nationalism after he reiterated his remarks despite backlash from individuals including the former Conservative mayor of the region, the former mayor.

Local Rejection and Support

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

• The former mayor had told the media the remarks were wrong and described Handsworth as a highly cohesive community.
• 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, defended him, saying he had made a factual statement and that there was no issue with noting realities.

But she also told BBC Breakfast: 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 initial high-ranking Conservative to disassociate from his colleague over the statements, telling a Politico fringe event that they were phrases I would have avoided.

Jenrick repeatedly informed interviewers at the event that he stood by the remarks 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 put it to him that his remarks could encourage far-right groups, Jenrick said it was an completely unacceptable and absurd question.

Initial Statements

In his original remarks, the MP said the area was among the least cohesive locations I have visited. In fact, in the hour and a half he was recording in the area 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.