WE, the undersigned, represent the trade unions whose members live and work in Handsworth. Robert Jenrick’s comments were aimed squarely at our members, and we stand together in calling out his racist characterisation.  

As the shadow secretary of state for justice and shadow lord chancellor, Jenrick is one of the most senior politicians in the Conservative Party. This makes his comments regarding the people of Handsworth even more appalling. 

Jenrick has claimed that “it’s not about skin colour or faith,” but his comments were clear and unequivocable. Jenrick stated: “But the other thing I noticed was it was one of the worst-integrated places I’ve ever been to. In fact, in the hour-and-a-half I was filming news there, I didn’t see another white face.” 

This is not a concern about the issues facing working-class communities or even about how those communities are integrated into our society. This is racism. 

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. 

At a time of increased division, with violent and racist incidents on the increase. We expect more from senior politicians than the repetition of far-right talking points.

Fifty-seven years ago, Enoch Powell came to Birmingham to deliver his infamous “Rivers of Blood” speech, a defining moment of division and hate. It is deeply troubling that, decades later, senior Conservative politicians are echoing similar sentiments. 

The people of Handsworth have been failed by 14 years of underinvestment and neglect from successive Conservative governments. They are now being failed again by a party that refuses to challenge, or even acknowledge, the racism in its ranks.

They are again being failed by a Conservative Party that is refusing to address the racist narratives of Jenrick. They deserve better. 

We call on the leadership of the Conservative Party to take immediate action and suspend the whip from Jenrick.

The letter is signed by Mick Whelan, general secretary, Aslef; Sarah Woolley, general secretary, BFAWU; Caroline Hemmington, assistant secretary, Prospect (Bectu sector); Ian Manborde, Midlands regional official, Equity; Martin Allen, regional secretary, GMB Midlands; Stephen Brown, regional organiser, Musicians’ Union; Ben Cochrane, regional organiser, NASUWT; Danielle Jackson, PCS Midlands, regional secretary; John Watson, Midlands regional organiser, Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union (RMT); Anne O’Sullivan, regional official, UCU; Annmarie Kilcline, regional secretary, Unite — West Midlands Region; Gavin Dadley, regional secretary, Usdaw; and Stuart Richards, regional secretary, TUC Midlands.