🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer Criticizes Robert Jenrick's Handsworth Remarks as Hard to Take Seriously. The Prime Minister has criticized the shadow justice secretary's statements about not seeing another white face in areas of Handsworth, stating the politician was difficult to regard credibly. Leadership Campaign Accusations Starmer implied that his comments were part of a stealth Tory bid for leadership and asserted he did not believe they accurately reflected 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 doubled down on his complaint despite backlash from figures including the ex-Tory mayor of the region, the former mayor. Local Rejection and Defense The prime minister, who did not directly engage the statements, said he had supported Andy Street's objections of the MP. The former mayor had stated to the media the comments were incorrect 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. Kemi Badenoch, defended Jenrick, saying he had made a truthful observation 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 Disagreements The shadow chancellor became the initial high-ranking Conservative to disassociate from Jenrick over the comments, informing a Politico fringe event that they were phrases I would have avoided. The MP repeatedly told interviewers at the event that he stood by the remarks 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 integration. When a Sky News journalist suggested that his remarks could embolden far-right groups, he said it was an completely unacceptable and absurd question. Original Statements In his original remarks, the MP said the area was among the least cohesive locations I have visited. In fact, in the 90 minutes 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.