Tory Minister Sparks Controversy With 'No-Go Zones' Claim in Luton

Conservative Party Conference – Blake Stephenson, the shadow Home Office minister representing the nearby constituency of Mid-Bedfordshire, stated that parts of Luton have become 'no-go zones' where white people will not venture. Stephenson made these remarks during a debate on immigration at a Centre for Policy Studies event in Birmingham.

Stephenson, who was appointed to his shadow ministerial role a fortnight prior, described the town, which has a significant Muslim population, as "a shadow of its former self." He further elaborated on the issue of "ghettoes," telling the audience, "There are parts of that town unfortunately – and the police will tell you this, it can be a very dangerous place – there are parts where white people won't go. They are like no-go zones. It is not alone, there are other towns across the country in a similar situation. It is dreadful where we have got to."

He also asserted that the Conservative Party needs to overcome any "icky" feelings about addressing mass immigration, which he characterized as "an absolute disaster" for the nation.

However, Stephenson's comments drew sharp criticism from Sarah Owen, a Labour Member of Parliament for Luton. Owen accused the shadow minister of adopting the rhetoric of the far-right.

"It is deeply irresponsible for any politician, let alone a senior Conservative, to peddle the same far-right nonsense about Luton that we see from the likes of (Stephen) Yaxley Lennon and Reform," Owen stated. "It is simply not true. The shadow Home Office minister will have many constituents who work in Luton and will not recognise his warped description. He should get off social media and meet our many fantastic Lutonians."