Birmingham MP Ayoub Khan has launched a strong defense of Handsworth following what he describes as "hateful smears" by Conservative shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick. The MP, whose constituency encompasses the vibrant and diverse ward, issued a statement expressing his disappointment and anger at Jenrick’s recent comments, which Khan believes unfairly painted Handsworth in a negative light.

While the specific nature of Jenrick's comments remains undisclosed, Khan's forceful response suggests they were perceived as disparaging or misrepresentative of the area and its residents. The MP emphasized Handsworth's rich history, cultural significance, and the strong sense of community that defines it.

"Handsworth is a community built on resilience, hard work, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging," Khan stated. "To see it smeared in this way is not only insulting to the people who live and work here, but it also undermines the incredible contributions they make to Birmingham and the wider country."

Khan highlighted Handsworth’s diverse population, drawing attention to the numerous community initiatives, local businesses, and cultural institutions that contribute to its unique character. He insisted that any attempt to portray the area negatively ignores the daily realities of the majority of its residents who are actively working to build a better future for themselves and their families.

The MP's statement also called on Jenrick to retract his comments and issue an apology to the people of Handsworth. He urged politicians from all parties to engage with the community constructively and to avoid using generalizations that perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Khan further emphasized his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents and challenged anyone attempting to denigrate the area he proudly serves. The incident has sparked discussion among local residents and political commentators about the importance of responsible language and accurate representation when discussing diverse communities.