Politics latest: Man United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe says sorry if immigration remarks ‘offended some people’

The Football Association has announced it will investigate whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial comments about immigrants brought the game into disrepute.

Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

Rachel Reeves said that although economic growth remained at only 0.1 percent in the last quarter of last year, there would be no change in the strategy to increase economic growth, emphasizing that the strategy “is starting to come true.”

Asked whether the government planned to change course, the chancellor said: “We have a plan. We have a plan to grow our economy and that plan is starting to happen.”

“We’re putting more money in people’s pockets. Is there more to do? Absolutely, that’s why we’ve reformed the planning system to make it easier to build in Britain. That’s why we’re reducing the regulatory burden to make it easier for businesses to invest in Britain.”

“So we’re putting money in the pockets of working families by improving the child care available to parents with young children. All of that is good for productivity, good for growth,” Ms. Reeves said.

He added: “We have the right economic plan that begins to serve the people of our country, and we will stick to that plan.”

The Manchester United co-owner said in a statement: “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.”

He added: “My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I discussed the importance of economic growth, employment, skills and manufacturing in the UK.

“My intention was to highlight that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by all. It is critical that we maintain an open debate about the challenges facing the UK.”

Political editor David Maddox reports:

Minister Chris Ward told MPs there was “a wealth of documentation” relating to the review of Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.

He noted that “the scope is much broader than most Humble Talk.”

But he said the Cabinet was working to ensure these people were released “as soon as possible”.

The Manchester United co-owner said in a statement: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe.”

He added: “It is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed migration, which supports economic growth.”

Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

Rachel Reeves demanded Jim Ratcliffe apologize for his comments, calling them “disgusting” and “offensive”, but said his comments would not affect the government’s investment in INEOS.

Asked whether the Government wanted to continue doing business with Sir Jim, the chancellor said: “What Jim Ratcliffe said is unacceptable. “It was frankly disgusting and he should apologize for his words.

“But I won’t let what Jim Ratcliffe says determine the future of business in Scotland.”

“Our country benefits greatly from diversity. We see this in our work, in our universities, in our cultural life, and we become richer with the diversity of our country.

“So I would like to ask him to apologize for his offensive remarks, which upset so many people and which, frankly, I don’t think represent the views of today’s Britain.”

Political editor David Maddox reports:

Shadow Tory minister Alex Burghart called on the government to release not only documents relating to Mandelson’s review, but also those relating to the prime minister’s former communications chief, Lord Matthew Doyle.

Lord Doyle was suspended from the Labor Party this week over his links to a convicted pedophile in circumstances reminiscent of the Mandelson scandal.

Questions were raised about the checks carried out before he was elevated to the rank of Lords earlier this year.

Minister Chris Ward said the Doyle documents were “outside the scope” of the Humble Speech.

The Liberal Democrat leader said of X: “Completely wrong. Completely contrary to British values. He must apologize now.”

Political editor David Maddox reports:

Speaker Lindsay Hoyle expressed disappointment that the government had not made a statement about the Mandelson papers and was instead forced to answer an urgent question.

He also warned the minister not to withhold documents from the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) based on interviews with the police.