The Manchester United co-owner said in an interview that ‘the UK had been colonised by immigrants’
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has said he is ‘sorry if his choice of language offended anyone’ following his claim that the UK has been colonised by immigrants‘.
The Manchester United co-owner made the comments in an interview with Sky News. The billionaire, who is founder and chairman of one of the world’s largest chemical companies, Ineos, said that politicians needed to ‘do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track’.
He has now apologised following backlash over his comments stating he was ‘sorry’ over his choice of language. Sir Jim said: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe.”
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He added: “It is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.”
Sir Jim went on: “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.”
The Football Association will examine whether Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial comments about immigrants have brought the game into disrepute, it is understood.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday night described the comments as ‘offensive and wrong’ – and called on him to apologise.
And Andy Burnham, who is part of a group of local officials working with Ratcliffe and United on the regeneration of the Old Trafford area and stadium, said: “These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races and faiths have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United FC.
“Calling for curbs on levels of immigration is one thing, portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force is quite another. It is inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory and should be withdrawn.
“Footballers who have arrived from all over the world to play in Greater Manchester have enhanced the life of our city region, as have the many people working in Greater Manchester’s NHS and other essential services and industries.
“We appreciate their contribution as a city region famous for the warmth of our welcome.”
In what appeared to be criticism of the Glazer family who hold a majority stake in United, Burnham added: “If any criticism is needed, it should be directed towards those who have offered little contribution to our life here and have instead spent years siphoning wealth out of one of our proudest institutions.”
Trafford Council leader Tom Ross said: “These comments are wrong and they need to be withdrawn. Trafford has a proud history of being a welcoming, tolerant and diverse borough. People have always come here for opportunity, safety and community. We embrace and celebrate that reputation.
“People from many different backgrounds also work with the Council and our partners to help us deliver vital services for everyone in Trafford including in our care homes and schools.
“Manchester United draws fans and players from across the world and they too play an important role in the life of our borough.We need everyone to continue to work together to make sure we remain a welcoming borough for everyone who lives, works and visits Trafford.”