GB News viewers have waded in on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s remarks after the Manchester United co-owner was ordered to apologise by Sir Keir Starmer for claiming the UK has been “colonised” by immigrants.
While the Prime Minister branded the billionaire’s rhetoric “offensive and wrong,” The People’s Channel was inundated with messages from across the country, with many arguing that Mr Ratcliffe was simply “stating the blindingly obvious”.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, host Miriam Cates read out the comments: “Joanne says no one should apologise for stating the blindingly obvious. She argues Starmer shouldn’t be asking him to apologise. He should be making him Chancellor of the Exchequer.
“She adds that Starmer should be apologising for allowing mass migration.”
“Stephen says Jim Ratcliffe is speaking out for the people, not the Labour Party.
“Gary said Jim Ratcliffe’s comments are divisive? But Gary’s novels are not? Hmm.
“Jim said, I presume not Mr Ratcliffe, although he is welcome to comment, he is only expressing his opinion which lots of people would agree with he is right about our economy too.
“Nick says the point you’re missing is that Manchester United players are mostly migrants, but they’re all here legally and none are claiming benefits.”
Miriam Cates read out the comments from GB News viewers today
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GB NEWS
Miriam agreed: “That is a good point. In fact, they’re probably paying enormous amount of tax given how much money they have.”
The row erupted following an interview with Sky News, in which the Ineos founder suggested the British economy was being crippled by “huge levels” of migration and a benefits system supporting nine million people.
Sir Jim made the remarks in an interview on the sidelines of the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, Belgium.
He said: “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.”
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe said Britain has been “colonised by immigrants” | GETTY“The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?” he added.
Sir Jim cited incorrect figures to back up his claim, telling Sky: “I mean, the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, now it’s 70 million. That’s 12 million people.”
His comments prompted swift backlash from several supporters’ groups, including the Manchester United Supporters Trust, which posted on X: “No fan should feel excluded from supporting the club because of their race, religion, nationality or background.
“Comments from senior leadership should bring people together, not make inclusion harder.
“This isn’t about politics, it’s about ensuring the custodians of Manchester United act in a way that unites supporters rather than alienating sections of our fanbase.”
The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club said it was “deeply concerned”, arguing that the word “colonised” is “not neutral”.
“It echoes rhetoric often seen in far-right narratives that portray migrants as invaders and demographic threats,” the group added.
The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club said it was “deeply concerned”, arguing that the word “colonised” is “not neutral”.
“It echoes rhetoric often seen in far-right narratives that portray migrants as invaders and demographic threats,” the group added.
Sir Keir Starmer responded to Sir Jim’s remarks saying they were “offensive and wrong”.
“Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country,” the prime minister added. “Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.”
