Jim Ratcliffe has issued what many are describing as a partial apology after claiming that “the UK is being colonised” by migrants.
The billionaire co-owner of Manchester United said he was “sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe” following sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.
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Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of petrochemical giant Ineos, made the original remarks during an interview with Sky News, triggering a swift and forceful response from Labour figures and senior ministers.
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.”
Political backlash over Jim Ratcliffe ‘colonised’ migrants remarks
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Ratcliffe to apologise for what he described as “offensive and wrong” comments. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham also urged the businessman to withdraw his statement.
Responding on Wednesday morning, Ratcliffe said: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe. It is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration.
“My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.
“My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”
Downing Street confirmed that the prime minister had sought an apology. The PM’s official spokesman said: “The prime minister asked for an apology and one’s been issued and its absolutely right that Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for that language.”
Ministers question Ratcliffe’s stance on immigration and tax exile status
Earlier, justice minister Jake Richards criticised Ratcliffe’s remarks and raised questions about his position.
He said it was “perfectly legitimate” to debate immigration levels, noting that the government had committed to reducing them. However, he added: “The way in which we talk about that, and the way in which we discuss and label immigrations and immigrants who come to our country and contribute has to be done very carefully.
“Jim Ratcliffe’s comments fail that test miserably, coupled with the fact that Jim Ratcliffe has moved to Monaco to save £4 billion-worth of tax in this country. One might question whether he is the patriot we need to comment on this issue.”
Ratcliffe, who lives in Monaco, has previously defended his business decisions and has frequently spoken about economic growth, manufacturing and competitiveness in the UK.
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