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Keir Starmer has criticized Robert Jenrick's statements about the lack of white faces in parts of Handsworth, suggesting the MP was hard to take seriously.

Leadership Campaign Claims

Starmer implied that Jenrick's 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 criticized for igniting a wave of divisive sentiment after he reiterated his remarks despite criticism from individuals including the ex-Tory mayor of the region, Andy Street.

Community Response and Defense

The prime minister, who did not directly engage the comments, said he had agreed with Andy Street's criticisms of Jenrick.

• Street had told the media the comments were incorrect and portrayed the area as a highly cohesive community.
• 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 Jenrick, saying he had made a factual statement and that there was no issue with noting realities.

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 distance himself from his colleague over the statements, telling a gathering that they were not words that I would have used.

The MP repeatedly told interviewers at the conference that he supported the remarks and did not retract them as it would be wrong to end a crucial discussion that the nation needs to engage in about integration.

When a Sky News journalist suggested that his remarks could encourage extremist organizations, Jenrick said it was an absolutely disgraceful and ridiculous inquiry.

Original Remarks

In his original remarks, Jenrick said the area was one of the worst integrated places I’ve ever been to. Specifically, in the hour and a half he was recording in the area he didn’t see another white face.

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.