"The Monaco-based billionaire Jim Ratcliffe has been accused of hypocrisy and using far-right narratives, as a backlash grew over his claims that the UK was being colonised by immigrants. Fans called the Manchester United co-owner's comments disgraceful and deeply divisive, while Keir Starmer said his claim was offensive and wrong, and called on the Ineos chief executive to apologise immediately. The prime minister added: Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country."
"The Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, accused Ratcliffe of making inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory comments that were against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood. He said people of all races, faiths and none had pulled together to build the city and its institutions, including Manchester United. Calling for curbs on levels of immigration is one thing; portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force is quite another, he said. It is inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory and should be withdrawn."
Jim Ratcliffe, a Monaco-based billionaire and Manchester United co-owner, claimed the UK was being colonised by immigrants and cited outdated statistics. The Office for National Statistics contradicted his figures, showing the population estimates used were incorrect. His remarks drew criticism from fans, political leaders and ministers who called the comments offensive, inflammatory and divisive. The prime minister and a No 10 spokesperson demanded an apology, and Andy Burnham described the comments as inaccurate and insulting to Manchester’s multicultural history. Critics warned the language fed far-right narratives and unfairly portrayed migrants as a hostile force.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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