Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for an apology from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United, following comments in which Ratcliffe suggested that the UK has been “colonised” by immigrants.
PM Demands Apology from Sir Jim Ratcliffe Over ‘Colonised by Immigrants’ Comment — what we know so far
This statement has drawn significant public attention and criticism, prompting calls from political leaders for reconsideration of the language used in public discourse regarding immigration.
The Prime Ministers request represents an ongoing dialogue around the impact of immigration, weaponised by the far right, and public sentiment towards the immigrant population in the UK.
As the nation navigates complex discussions about identity and community, the Prime Minister’s stance highlights the sensitive nature of immigration rhetoric in contemporary political discourse.
Quick links:
What we know so far |
How UK outlets are framing the story |
Additional UK News sources
What we know so far
Football’s anti-discrimination body Kick It Out says Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s comments on immigration to @skynews
Kick It Out
are “disgraceful” and “this type of language and leadership has no place in English football”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, made a controversial statement suggesting that the UK has been “colonised by immigrants.” This comment sparked widespread criticism and prompted calls for an apology.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was among those who condemned Ratcliffe’s remarks, stating that they were “damaging” to the nation’s fabric and emphasised the need for respectful dialogue on immigration.
In response to the backlash, Prime Minister urged Ratcliffe to consider apologising for his statement. The discourse surrounding immigration and its impact on British society remains a significant and often contentious topic, particularly in the current political climate.
“Does Man United need this distraction? Struggling on the pitch, underachieving for decade, losing revenue (less than Liverpool), and now another nut-job owner!”
Confirmed details
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, stated that the UK has been “colonised by immigrants.”
- This remark has sparked significant controversy and backlash.
- Labour leader Keir Starmer has called for Ratcliffe to apologise for his comments.
- The statement aligns with Ratcliffe’s anti-migration stance, which he expressed further during an interview.
- Public reactions include both support and condemnation of his views.
What remains unclear
- Uncertainty surrounding Jim Ratcliffe’s exact comments about UK ‘colonisation by immigrants’.
- Conflicting accounts about who requested the apology from Ratcliffe.
- Lack of clarity on the context and date of Ratcliffe’s statements.
- Disagreement on the reactions and responses from political figures.
- Inconsistencies in media reporting about public sentiment towards Ratcliffe’s remarks.
- Unresolved details regarding the implications of Ratcliffe’s comments on his business interests.

How UK outlets are framing the story
PM asks Sir Jim Ratcliffe to apologise for saying UK ‘colonised by immigrants’
Publication: BBC | Sentiment: Negative (-0.6) | Framing intensity: 8/10
Presentation: The BBC’s report focuses on the Prime Minister’s request for an apology, highlighting the controversy stirred by Ratcliffe’s remarks on immigration and colonisation. The coverage includes reactions from various political figures.
Angles and bias: Compared to other outlets, the BBC adopts a more neutral tone in presenting the political ramifications while clearly indicating the tensions surrounding the statements made by Ratcliffe.
‘UK has been colonised by immigrants’, says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Publication: Sky News | Sentiment: Negative (-0.5) | Framing intensity: 7/10
Presentation: Sky News brings attention to Ratcliffe’s comments within the broader context of the UK’s immigration discourse, focusing on the backlash from various community leaders and politicians after the statement.
Angles and bias: While Sky News presents the comments as inflammatory, it also highlights responses from critics succinctly, which adds depth compared to other reports that may simply rehash Ratcliffe’s statements.
Manchester United owner praises Farage during anti-migration diatribe
Publication: Politico.eu | Sentiment: Negative (-0.7) | Framing intensity: 9/10
Presentation: Politico.eu takes a critical stance on Ratcliffe’s remarks, framing them within a narrative of rising anti-immigration sentiments in the UK, and his surprising alignment with controversial figures like Farage.
Angles and bias: This outlet offers a sharper critique than others, emphasising potential societal risks posed by such views, which may resonate strongly with readers concerned about immigration policies.
Starmer tells Jim Ratcliffe to apologise for saying UK ‘colonised’ by immigrants
Publication: The Guardian | Sentiment: Negative (-0.4) | Framing intensity: 6/10
Presentation: The Guardian reports on Starmer’s response to Ratcliffe’s remarks, detailing the implications for party politics and social cohesion amidst discussions on immigration.
Angles and bias: This coverage is more focused on the political implications of the statements, making it somewhat less direct than others while emphasising the concerns regarding political correctness in public discourse.
Additional news sources from the UK
BBC
PM asks Sir Jim Ratcliffe to apologise for saying UK ‘colonised by immigrants’
Sky News
‘UK has been colonised by immigrants’, says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
politico.eu
Manchester United owner praises Farage during anti-migration diatribe
The Guardian
Starmer tells Jim Ratcliffe to apologise for saying UK ‘colonised’ by immigrants



