Jenrick accused of fuelling 'toxic nationalism' after race remarks

Tory MP stands by his claim of 'no white faces' in Birmingham district

- Rowena Mason Whitehall editor

Robert Jenrick was accused of fuelling a "fire of toxic nationalism" yesterday after he defended his complaint about "not seeing another white face" in part of Birmingham.

The shadow justice secretary was criticised by politicians across the parties, local leaders and the bishop of Birmingham after the Guardian published his remarks from March.

At a Conservative dinner, Jenrick had complained of not seeing another white face in the neighbourhood of Handsworth and said it was not the kind of country he wanted to live in due to a lack of integration - before saying it was not about skin colour or faith.

David Lammy, the deputy prime minister and justice secretary, suggested Jenrick was judging people based on the colour of their skin, while Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, broke ranks by saying the remarks were "not words that I would have used". Zack Polanski, the Green party leader, said it was racism.

The Right Rev Dr Michael Volland, the bishop of Birmingham, said the comments "have the potential to generate anxiety and stir up division and ... can feed into a harmful narrative that provides fuel for a fire of toxic nationalism".

Andy Street, the Conservative former mayor of the West Midlands, said Jenrick was wrong in saying the multi-ethnic neighbourhood of Handsworth was not integrated, while Labour's Richard Parker, who succeeded Street as mayor, said he was "incredibly sad but also very angry".

Parker added: "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.