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Keir Starmer has criticized the shadow justice secretary's statements about the lack of white faces in areas of Handsworth, stating the politician was difficult to regard credibly.

Leadership Campaign Claims

Starmer suggested that his observations were part of a stealth Tory leadership campaign and said 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.

Jenrick has been criticized for igniting a fire of toxic nationalism after he reiterated his complaint despite criticism from figures including the former Conservative mayor of the West Midlands, the former mayor.

Local Response and Defense

Starmer, who did not directly engage the comments, said he had agreed with Andy Street's objections of the MP.

• Street had stated to BBC Newsnight the remarks were wrong and portrayed the area as a highly cohesive community.
• In my view, Andy Street's comments were accurate, Starmer said. Having served as mayor for an extended period, Andy Street possesses deep familiarity with the locality.

Kemi Badenoch, defended him, saying he had made a truthful observation and that there was nothing wrong with making observations.

However, she added on BBC Breakfast: In my opinion, the discussion should not focus on the number or appearance of individuals seen on streets.

Party Divisions

Mel Stride became the initial high-ranking Conservative to distance himself from his colleague over the statements, informing a gathering that they were not words that I would have used.

The MP repeatedly told interviewers at the event that he supported the remarks and did not retract 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 reporter put it to him that his comments could embolden far-right groups, he said it was an absolutely disgraceful and ridiculous inquiry.

Original Remarks

In his original remarks, the MP said Handsworth was one of the worst integrated places I’ve ever been to. Specifically, in the 90 minutes 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.