Tory MP claims Luton has “no-go zones” for white people
Kemi Badenoch has expressed her support for Tory MP Blake Stephenson, who stated that Luton contains “no-go zones” for white individuals during a Conservative party conference in Birmingham, reports BritPanorama.
Stephenson, the shadow home office minister and MP for Mid Bedfordshire, described Luton as a “shadow of its former self” and a “very dangerous place” where communities segregate into distinct “ghettoes”.
When questioned about Stephenson’s remarks, Badenoch defended him during an interview with ITV News, stating she found him to be “very sensible”.
Highlighting the contentious nature of such statements, it is worth noting that Robert Jenrick, a former Conservative MP, faced significant backlash last year for claiming he had not seen “another white face” in a Birmingham area.
Badenoch distinguished Stephenson’s remarks from Jenrick’s comments, suggesting that Stephenson would have valid reasons for his assertions. “I’m sure that he can explain it. So I’m very happy to stand by him,” she noted.
During a Tory fringe event focusing on immigration, Stephenson highlighted his familiarity with Luton, asserting, “There are parts of that town, unfortunately, and the police will tell you this, it can be a very dangerous place.” He remarked that some areas are perceived as “no-go zones” for white individuals, indicating broader concerns about community integration.
Stephenson further elaborated on the severity of the issue, stating, “We’ve got to make sure we don’t have ghettos where there are no-go zones for anybody. The country is for all of us, you know, not just certain communities.”
His comments reflect an ongoing discourse within the Conservative party surrounding immigration, community relations, and national identity. The call for “deep levels of integration” underscores a recognition of the challenges posed by demographic changes across the UK.
As the political landscape evolves, these discussions will likely continue to influence party policies and public sentiment.
