Summary
Robert Jenrick defended his past remarks that described Handsworth, an area in Birmingham, as poorly integrated. He affirmed the need to address community integration in the UK, despite facing criticism from both political colleagues and community members. Jenrick plans to discuss related issues at the Conservative Party's annual conference.
Key Facts
- Robert Jenrick called the Handsworth area of Birmingham "one of the worst-integrated places" he had visited.
- The comments were made during a recorded dinner and were published by The Guardian.
- Jenrick's remarks were met with criticism, including from Handsworth's MP, Ayoub Khan, and Labour Party members.
- Jenrick stressed the importance of having communities where people live together, not separately.
- Six government reports over 20 years have highlighted issues with community integration.
- Former Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, disagreed with Jenrick's assessment of Handsworth.
- Jenrick is set to address the Conservative Party’s annual conference on issues related to integration and sentencing policy.
