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

Leadership Campaign Claims

Starmer implied that his observations were part of a covert Conservative leadership campaign and said he did not believe they accurately reflected 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 accused of fuelling a wave of divisive sentiment after he reiterated his complaint despite criticism from individuals including the ex-Tory mayor of the West Midlands, the former mayor.

Community Rejection and Support

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

• The former mayor had stated to the media the remarks were incorrect and portrayed the area as a highly cohesive community.
• 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.

The Conservative leader, supported him, saying he had made a truthful observation 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.

Internal Disagreements

The shadow chancellor became the initial high-ranking Conservative to disassociate from Jenrick over the comments, telling a Politico fringe event that they were phrases I would have avoided.

The MP repeatedly informed journalists at the event that he stood by the comments and did not resile from them as it would be wrong to end a crucial discussion that we have to have as a country about social cohesion.

When a Sky News journalist suggested that his remarks could embolden extremist organizations, he said it was an completely unacceptable and absurd inquiry.

Original Statements

In his initial comments, Jenrick said the area was among the least cohesive locations I have visited. In fact, in the hour and a half he was filming news there he observed no other white individuals.

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.