Robert Jenrick and Labour MP Tahir Ali (Image: GETTY)
Robert Jenrick has launched a scathing attack on Tahir Ali, the Labour MP for Birmingham New Hall, for backing a campaign to build an airport in Kashmir while rubbish is currently "piled high” in the UK’s second city. Mr Ali took to social media to voice his support for the project of building the airport in Mirpur, a district within the disputed Kashmir region currently administered by Pakistan.
Explaining that he had attended a press conference organised by fellow Mohammed Yasin MP along with 20 others, Mr Ali said on X: “There has been a long-standing promise for an international airport in Mirpur, which has yet to be met. This causes significant issues to a number of my constituents, who are having to drive over three hours to get to the nearest airport in Pakistan. I will continue to push for this cause, and pursue this issue until permission is granted for a new airport.”
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Overflowing bins in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham (Image: PA)
However, Shadow Justice Secretary Mr Jenwick, beaten by Kemi Badenoch to the Conservative Party leadership last year, was singularly unimpressed, not least because Mirpur is roughly 4,000 miles from Birmingham.
Responding to Mr Ali’s post on X, he said: "You’re an MP for Birmingham, not Mirpur.
"The streets of your city are literally piled high in rubbish thanks to your Labour council. Focus on the UK."
Birmingham is facing mounting rubbish piles as refuse workers continue their indefinite strike over a dispute regarding pay and job roles.
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People dispose of their rubbish using a mobile refuse collection service in Drews Lane Ward End (Image: Anita Maric / SWNS)
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The industrial action, which began in February, has led to waste accumulating across the city, sparking complaints from residents and raising public health concerns.
With reports of increased rodent activity in affected areas, local authorities have warned that the situation could escalate.
Pest control experts say the uncollected waste has created a "banquet" for rats, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
Concerns have been raised over the spread of leptospirosis and salmonella, while some residents have described seeing rats “as big as your feet” in overflowing bins.
— Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) March 29, 2025You’re an MP for Birmingham, not Mirpur.
The streets of your city are literally piled high in rubbish thanks to your Labour council.
Focus on the UK. https://t.co/VXTdr0CV9e
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Many people have even resorted to taking their rubbish to local tips themselves, as the city council struggles to manage the crisis.
The dispute centres on Birmingham City Council’s restructuring plans, which the Unite union claims could see some refuse workers lose up to £8,000 per year.
The council disputes this figure but has so far failed to reach an agreement with the striking workers.
With no resolution in sight, bins continue to overflow, and locals fear that the city’s streets will remain in a state of filth for the foreseeable future.
The Express has contacted Mr Ali for comment.
