'All he wants to sow is division' - Birmingham trade unions issue demand following 'no white faces' remark from Robert Jenrick

In a recording made during a dinner and published by the Guardian, Jenrick described the inner-city area as “one of the worst-integrated places” he had ever been to.

He said he had not seen “another white face” in the hour-and-a-half he spent filming a video about litter.

The comments sparked anger from both residents and Labour politicians, with West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker calling them “disgraceful”.

Now trade unions have called on the Conservative Party to take immediate action in a joint response issued today, Friday, October 10.

“As the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor, Robert Jenrick MP is one of the most senior politicians in the Conservative Party,” they wrote.

“This makes his comments regarding the people of Handsworth even more appalling.”

The unions said Jenrick’s comments were “racism”, adding: “Handsworth is a vibrant, diverse, working-class community.

“Its residents have contributed immensely to the cultural, economic, and social life of Birmingham.

“To reduce this thriving community to the absence of ‘white faces’ is offensive and dangerous. “

The unions also said they expected more from senior politicians “at a time of increased division”.

The letter was signed by figures from unions including Unite, GMB, RMT, Equity and Musicians’ Union.

On Monday evening, Jenrick stood by his remarks, saying: “Six separate government reports over 20 years have highlighted the problem of parallel communities and called for a frank and honest conversation about the issue.

“The situation is no better today. Unlike other politicians, I won’t shy away from this issue.

“We have to integrate communities if we are to be a united country.”

Speaking to the BBC, he said: “There are numerous parts of our country now where the same story is happening, and at the extreme levels, a lack of integration leads us into a very dark place as a country.”

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch told BBC Breakfast on Tuesday: “I wasn’t there so I can’t say how many faces he saw, but the point is that there are many people in our country who are not integrating.”

She added she was “very worried about what is happening in Birmingham”.

Mr Parker was among the Labour politicians who condemned Jenrick’s comments, saying: “Birmingham is a proud, diverse city built by generations from every background.

“We don’t separate people by the colour of their skin – and that’s what Jenrick has done here with his comments. I’m incredibly sad but also very angry.”

Coun John Cotton, the Labour leader of Birmingham City Council, said Jenrick “knows nothing about Birmingham”.

“All he wants to do is sow division — this is racism, plain and simple and he isn’t welcome here,” he said earlier this week.

“As usual all the Tories want to do is talk Birmingham down.

“Instead of insulting Brummies, Jenrick should be apologising to us for the damage 14 years of Tory government caused to our city.”