Sir Jim Ratcliffe has issued an apology following his interview with Sky News economics and data editor Ed Conway, in which he said the UK had been “colonised by immigrants.”
In a statement, the INEOS founder and Manchester United co-owner 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.”
He added: “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.”
Ratcliffe faced calls to apologise from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey. However, his comments received support from some, including former Tory prime minister Liz Truss.
Meanwhile, The Times reports that the UK’s football governing body, the Football Association (FA), plans to “look into” Sir Jim’s remarks.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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