5 things you need to know after Jim Ratcliffe sparks row over migrant comments | Politics | News
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sparked fierce debate (Image: Getty)
5 things you need to know about Jim Ratcliffe furore
- Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was at the centre of a row after claiming Britain has been “colonised” by migrants. In the interview with Sky News yesterday, he said: “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK is being colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants.”
- The Ineos founder faced calls to apologise including from the Prime Minister. Sir Keir Starmer branded the remarks as “offensive and wrong”.
- Other Labour politicians also piled in, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves describing the comments as “disgusting” and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham insisting they “go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood”.
- At around lunch time, Sir Jim apologised for his “choice of language”. He said: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.”
- But Reform UK leader Nigel Farage insisted that Sir Jim was “right” over his remarks, saying: “One million people living in Britain don’t speak English. Areas of our towns and cities have been completely changed.” The Brexiteer added: “I don’t really care if Number 10 is in uproar.”
