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. »
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