Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, is facing widespread backlash after comments he made about immigration and grooming gangs stirred controversy. Labelled by some as “the most divisive figure in modern UK politics,” Jenrick’s remarks have drawn criticism from across the political spectrum.
What Did Jenrick Say?
Jenrick took to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday to weigh in on the grooming gangs scandal. He criticised what he called the “myth that diversity is our strength,” blaming mass migration for what he described as the erosion of British values.
In his post, Jenrick wrote:
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“The rule of law was abandoned to sustain the myth that diversity is our strength, destroying the lives of thousands of vulnerable white working-class girls in the process.”
“The scandal started with the onset of mass migration. Importing hundreds of thousands of people from alien cultures, who possess medieval attitudes towards women, brought us here.”
To sustain order in multicultural Britain, the state considered it necessary to apply the law selectively.
For decades the most appalling crimes from predominantly British-Pakistani men were legalised and actively covered up to prevent disorder.
The comments caused an immediate uproar. Samuel Kasumu, a former adviser to Boris Johnson, pulled no punches during an appearance on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. He said:
“My blood is boiling because of what Robert Jenrick said. I think he has the potential to be the most divisive person in our political history.”
Kasumu also warned that Jenrick’s language could incite hatred, stating:
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“Some of his words over the last 12 months may result in some people maybe even dying.”
Former Conservative special adviser Samuel Kasumu says that Robert Jenrick is now the most dangerous politician in the country and warns that his language about British Pakistanis and others will put lives at risk pic.twitter.com/FaO4TpQdWn
Even within his own party, Jenrick’s remarks didn’t sit well. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp distanced himself from the comments during an interview on Sky News, saying:
“He would choose his words, I’ll choose mine. I haven’t used those words.”
The issue has highlighted growing tensions within the Conservative Party as it grapples with sensitive topics like immigration and social cohesion.
The Bigger Picture
Jenrick’s remarks came amid renewed debate over grooming gangs following Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips’ decision not to launch a government-led inquiry into the issue in Oldham. While Jenrick’s critics accuse him of using inflammatory rhetoric, his supporters argue that he’s addressing uncomfortable truths.
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Whether this will damage his standing further or rally his base remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Jenrick’s words have sparked a firestorm of debate.
