UK Prime minister clashes with Man United co- owner over 'colonised' remark

Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has criticised the United Kingdom’s immigration system, drawing condemnation from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The businessman, who owns a 27 percent stake in United, expressed frustration over what he described as the large number of immigrants in the UK contributing to the country’s economic challenges.

He asserted that the country has been “colonised by immigrants” and needs to take steps to avert a future crisis.

Jenny Wiltshire: Meet Partey's lawyer who won rape case for Benjamin Mendy

“You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK has been colonised. It’s costing too much money."

"The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it? I mean, the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, now it’s 70 million. That’s 12 million people,” Sir Jim Ratcliffe told Sky News economics editor Ed Conway.

The remarks triggered an immediate reaction from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described them as “offensive and wrong,” arguing that they undermine the country’s integrity.

Starmer called on Ratcliffe to apologise to the public, stressing that Britain is a tolerant nation that welcomes people regardless of their background.

“Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise,” he said.

The controversial comments were also condemned by Manchester United fan group The 1958, which slammed the co-owner for his “embarrassing” remarks.

Amid the backlash, Ratcliffe has apologised, noting that he did not intend to offend anyone and was merely sharing his thoughts.

SB/JE

Meanhwile, watch highlights of U20 match between Black Princesses vs South Africa