Like A Slum In UK : Defiant Jenrick Doubles Down On ‘I Didn’t See Any White Faces’

8th October 2025 at 5:55 PM

2 minutes read

London : A senior Tory MP, Robert Jenrick, has sparked widespread outrage after describing the multicultural Soho Road in Handsworth, Birmingham, home to many residents of Indian and Pakistani origin, as “a slum” and “one of the worst integrated places” he has ever visited, according to the Daily Mail. The British lawmaker’s remarks drew sharp criticism from MP Ayoub Khan and Mayor Richard Parker, who condemned them as divisive and racially charged.

According to the British Daily report, Jenrick told the audience: “I went to Handsworth in Birmingham… it was absolutely appalling. It’s as close as I’ve come to a slum in this country.” He added, “In the hour and a half I was filming the news there, I didn’t see another white face. That’s not the kind of country I want to live in.” As per Birmingham City Council data cited by the Daily Mail, only 8.7% of Handsworth’s population is white, with the majority being of Indian (2,736 residents) and Pakistani (2,962 residents) descent.

During a follow-up visit by the Daily Mail, many locals denied Jenrick’s claims. Rishi Lothiyi, a British Indian consultant who grew up in Handsworth, said the MP must have been “drunk” to call the area poorly integrated. Even local business owners were quick to refute Jenrick’s view. Ranjit Singh, the landlord of the last pub in the area, The Cross Guns, said his customers came from all colours and creeds, The Daily Mail reported.

Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for Perry Barr, called Jenrick’s remarks “repulsive” and “disingenuous”, adding that the comments carried “undertones of racism”. Community figures like Bishop Desmond Jaddoo demanded an apology from Jenrick, calling his statements “divisive”. Local resident Liz Davies, a retired teacher, said she has lived peacefully among Asian, Black, and Eastern European neighbours for over 40 years, calling the MP’s remarks “ignorant and ridiculous.”

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker also condemned the remarks, accusing Jenrick of trying to divide communities for political gain. Handsworth is a community where people of different backgrounds all live and work side by side, the mayor was quoted as saying. He accused Jenrick of separating people by the colour of their skin.