Manchester United co-ownerJim Ratcliffeapologised Thursday for his “choice of language” after saying the “UK has been colonised by immigrants”.
The billionaire businessman, founder and chairman of the Ineos chemicals company, made the remarks in a television interview in which he suggested “huge levels of immigration” to the UK had harmed the economy.
But following calls for Ratcliffe to apologise, including from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the 73-year-old 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.
“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.”
Monaco-based Ratcliffe added: “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.”
A spokesman for Starmer reacted by saying: “The Prime Minister asked for an apology, and one’s been issued, and it’s absolutely right that Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for that language.”
He added: “There should be a serious debate about immigration, but the Prime Minister believes in a Britain built for all.”
Nevertheless, finance minister Rachel Reeves insisted the government would still support Ratcliffe’s businesses in Britain, including the Grangemouth oil refinery in Scotland.
“What Jim Ratcliffe said was unacceptable. It was disgusting, frankly, and he should apologise for his remarks, but I’m not going to let what Jim Ratcliffe has said determine the future of jobs in Scotland,” said Reeves.
Source: Insider Paper
