Sir Jim Ratcliffe Says Sorry for Immigration Words

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who co-owns Manchester United, has said sorry after using the word 'colonised' to talk about people coming to the UK. He said he regrets if his words caused upset, but still feels it is important to talk about how immigration affects the country's economy.
By Newsroom | UK News, Business |

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the prominent businessman and co-owner of Manchester United, has issued an apology following public outcry over his use of the word "colonised" to describe immigration into Britain. While expressing regret that his "choice of language" may have caused offense, Ratcliffe maintained the importance of discussing controlled immigration for economic growth. The remarks, made at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, have drawn criticism from various political figures and prompted calls for further accountability.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe says sorry his 'choice of language offended some people' after saying migrants 'colonised' Britain - but insists he was right to raise immigration - 1

Political Backlash and Public Scrutiny

The controversial statements by Sir Jim Ratcliffe ignited a swift and significant reaction from the political sphere. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer publicly denounced the comments as "offensive and wrong," leading the charge for an apology. Other political figures, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, joined Starmer in demanding accountability from the INEOS founder. The situation has spurred considerable public debate, with news outlets initiating polls to gauge public opinion on whether an apology was warranted.

Read More: Sir Jim Ratcliffe Says Sorry for Immigration Remarks

Sir Jim Ratcliffe says sorry his 'choice of language offended some people' after saying migrants 'colonised' Britain - but insists he was right to raise immigration - 2

Ratcliffe's Apology and Defense of Debate

In the wake of the criticism, Sir Jim Ratcliffe released a statement acknowledging the distress his language caused.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe says sorry his 'choice of language offended some people' after saying migrants 'colonised' Britain - but insists he was right to raise immigration - 3

"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. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK."

The apology explicitly states regret for the offense caused by his language, yet simultaneously reinforces his original point about the necessity of a debate on immigration.

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe says sorry his 'choice of language offended some people' after saying migrants 'colonised' Britain - but insists he was right to raise immigration - 4

The Core of the Controversy: "Colonised" and Immigration Data

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's initial assertion was that "the UK has been colonised" by immigrants. He elaborated on this by stating, "You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in." He also suggested that to address immigration challenges, unpopular actions would be required. However, claims made by Ratcliffe regarding population figures have been contested. Figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate that his assertion of the UK population rising from 58 million to 70 million between 2020 and the present is incorrect.

Divergent Views on Ratcliffe's Motives and Role

The reaction to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments has been varied, revealing a spectrum of interpretations regarding his intent and his right to comment on such issues.

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  • Criticism: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unequivocally stated the remarks were "offensive and wrong." Justice Minister Jake Richards labeled Ratcliffe "hypocritical," referencing his move to Monaco for tax purposes. Anti-discrimination body Kick It Out described the comments as "disgraceful and deeply divisive."

  • Support: Former Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss offered support for Ratcliffe's sentiments.

  • Nuance: Sir Jim Ratcliffe himself described Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as an "intelligent man" with "good intentions," suggesting a perceived alignment or understanding of certain political viewpoints, while also drawing parallels to the current Prime Minister.

Broader Implications and Official Scrutiny

Beyond political discourse, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's remarks have prompted a review by football authorities. The Football Association (FA) is reportedly examining whether his comments could bring the game into disrepute, a point underscored by Kick It Out's statement on the divisive nature of his language within a sport that aims to unite communities. This scrutiny adds another layer to the unfolding situation, indicating that the ramifications of his statements extend beyond political commentary into the realms of sports governance and social cohesion.

Expert Analysis

"Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s choice of the word 'colonised' is highly charged and carries significant historical weight. While he frames it as an impetus for discussing immigration, such terminology risks alienating communities and oversimplifying complex demographic and economic shifts. The backlash highlights the sensitivity surrounding immigration discourse in the UK and the expectations placed on prominent public figures to use language that fosters inclusivity."— Political Analyst [Name Redacted for Anonymity]

Conclusion and Next Steps

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has issued a statement apologizing for the offense caused by his language concerning immigration. However, the apology is tempered by a reaffirmation of his belief in the need for an open debate on controlled and well-managed immigration. The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, particularly Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and has led to the FA reportedly considering an investigation into potential disrepute. While Ratcliffe stands by the substance of his argument, the specific choice of words remains a focal point of contention, with questions arising about the accuracy of his demographic claims and the impact of his statements on public discourse. The situation underscores the volatile nature of discussions surrounding immigration in the United Kingdom and the significant scrutiny faced by high-profile individuals when engaging with these topics.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Sir Jim Ratcliffe say?
He said that the UK has been 'colonised' by immigrants. He also said that the UK cannot have an economy with many people on benefits and many immigrants coming in.
Q: Did he apologize?
Yes, he said he is sorry that his words caused offense and concern.
Q: Why did he say these things?
He said he wanted to talk about how controlled immigration can help the economy and that it is important to have open talks about these issues.
Q: What was the reaction to his words?
Many politicians, like the Prime Minister, said his words were wrong and offensive. Some people supported his right to talk about the issue.
Q: Are there any other results from his comments?
Yes, football groups are looking into if his words brought the game into trouble.