“I regret that my words caused offense”: Jim Ratcliffe explains himself after his remarks against immigrants

British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, founder of the Ineos group and co-owner of Manchester United and OGC Nice, said on Thursday he “regretted” the controversy arising from an interview in which he spoke of a United Kingdom “colonized by immigrants”, apologizing for the choice of “words” used without changing his substantive positions.

“I regret that the words I chose to use have offended some people in the UK and Europe and created emotion, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration, in support of economic growth,” the 73-year-old leader wrote in a statement.

He claims to have wanted to “insist on the need for governments to manage migration issues in connection with investment in skills, industry and employment, so that long-term prosperity is shared by all. It is crucial that we maintain an open debate about the challenges facing the UK. »

This supporter of Brexit, resident in Monaco and sympathizer of anti-immigration leader Nigel Farage, sparked a controversy after the broadcast of an interview on Sky Sports on Wednesday, in which he spoke of a United Kingdom “colonized by immigrants”.

He decried “an economy with nine million people on welfare and a massive influx of immigrants” while relying on flawed demographic statistics to support his theory of a supposed migratory wave in his native country.

Strong reactions in the United Kingdom

This interview sparked an outcry, particularly among Manchester United supporters and even in political circles, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling on Ratcliffe on Wednesday to “apologize” for his “offensive and erroneous” comments.

Greater Manchester’s Labor mayor, Andy Burnham, joined the chorus of criticism on Thursday on

“Calling to limit immigration flows is one thing, but portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force is another. It is inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory and should be removed,” the politician added.

The Kick It Out association, which fights against discrimination in English football, also attacked on Thursday “shameful” comments which “sow discord at a time when football contributes so much to bringing communities together”. She protested at the “inexact figures he mentioned” and reminded him that “Manchester United has a very diverse fan base and plays in a city whose cultural history has been enriched by immigrants.”