Jeremy Corbyn has become the latest politician to take a swipe at Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe over his comments about UK immigration. Sir Jim, one of the world’s richest men, apologised for his claim that Britain has been “colonised” by migrants after the tide of backlash, regretting that it had “offended some people in the UK and Europe”.
It followed pressure from high-profile figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to retract the controversial statement, with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also chiming in to brand the businessman a “disgrace”.
“Jim Ratcliffe’s comments are a disgrace,” he wrote on X.
“Migrants aren’t the problem. Tax-dodging billionaires are.”
Jim Ratcliffe sparked a flurry of backlash when he made the comments on Wednesday (Image: Getty)
Mr Ratcliffe was one of the UK’s biggest taxpayers for years before he changed his tax domicile to Monaco in 2020, a move reported to have saved him £4 billion in taxes, assuming he resides in the city-state for over 183 days per year.
In his statement released on Thursday, the billionaire 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.”
He 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 about the challenges facing the UK.”
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said it was “right” that Mr Ratcliffe apologise for his “offensive and wrong” comments.
During the bombshell interview with Sky News on Wednesday, Sir Jim said: “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.
“I mean, the UK is being colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants.”
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Manchester United also released a statement following the remarks, insisting it was an “inclusive and welcoming club”.
It added: “Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home.”
