5 things you need to know after Jim Ratcliffe sparks row over migrant comments | Politics | News

Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparks fierce controversy (Image: Getty)

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been at the center of controversy after claiming England was being “colonised” by immigrants. In an interview with Sky News yesterday, he said: “You can’t have an economy where nine million people are on benefits and a lot of immigrants are coming in. So, the UK is being colonised. It costs a lot of money. The UK is being colonized by immigrants.”
The Ineos founder has faced calls to apologize, including from the Prime Minister. Sir Keir Starmer said the remarks were “offensive and wrong”.
Other Labor politicians joined in, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves describing the comments as “disgusting” and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham insisting they “go against everything Manchester has traditionally stood for”.
At lunchtime Sir Jim apologized for his “choice of language”. He said: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended and caused concern to some people in the UK and Europe, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration, which supports economic growth.”
But Reform UK leader Nigel Farage insisted Sir Jim was “right” in his remarks, saying: “A million people in Britain don’t speak English. Some parts of our towns and cities have changed completely.” The Brexiteer added: “I really don’t care if Number 10 is in disarray.”