Politics latest: Man United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe says sorry if immigration remarks ‘offended some people’ – UK Times

Political Reporter Athena Stavrou reports:

Downing Street has welcomed Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s apology after the Manchester United co-owner suggested that Britain is being “colonised by immigrants”.

Apologising on Thursday, the billionaire said in a statement that he was “sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe”.

Speaking to reporters after his apology, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “The prime minister asked for an apology and one has been issued.”

He added: “It is right he apologised”.

Keir Starmer’s spokesman said it was “right” that Jim Ratcliffe apologised for his “offensive and wrong” comments.

The prime minister had earlier called on him to apologise, condemning his remarks and stating that “Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country.”

Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

This Labour government won’t repeat the mistake of the Tory Party, the chancellor has said, referring to the repeated leadership elections during the last parliament.

Rachel Reeves told broadcasters: “Under the previous government, we had five prime ministers and seven chancellors and that was bad for Britain’s reputation overseas.

“Our borrowing costs increased compared to other countries around the world, and we had lacklustre economic growth and declining living standards.”

She added: “This Labor government is not going to repeat the mistakes of governments of the past. We’ve got an economic plan. It is the right plan for Britain, and as the numbers today show, it is starting to deliver for the British people.”

The Football Association has announced it will look into whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial comments about immigrants brought the game into disrepute.

It would also look at whether his remarks breached its regulations.

Should the FA choose to formally investigate, the probe may be focused on FA Rule E3.1, which covers general behaviour.

Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

Rachel Reeves has said there will be no change in strategy to boost economic growth, insisting it is “beginning to deliver” – despite economic growth sitting at just 0.1 per cent in the final quarter of last year.

Asked whether the government plans to change course, the chancellor said: “We have a plan. We have a plan to grow our economy, and that plan is beginning to deliver”.

“We are putting more money in people’s pockets. Is there more to do? Absolutely, which is why we’ve reformed the planning system to make it easier to build in Britain. It’s why we are reducing the regulatory burden to make it easier for businesses to invest in Britain.

“It is why we’re putting money in people’s pockets of working families by improving the childcare available to parents of young children. All of these things are good for productivity, are good for growth”, Ms Reeves said.

She added: “We’ve got the right economic plan is beginning to deliver for people in our country and we’ll be sticking to that plan.”

In a statement, the Manchester United co-owner 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.”

He added: “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.

“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 on the challenges facing the UK.”

Political editor David Maddox reports:

Minister Chris Ward has told MPs that “there are a lot of papers” in reference to the vetting of Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US.

He noted that “the scope is much wider than most Humble Addresses”.

Nevertheless he said that the Cabinet Office is working to ensure they can be released “as soon as possible”.

In a statement, the Manchester United co-owner said: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe.”

He added: “It is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.”

Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

Rachel Reeves has demanded Jim Ratcliffe apologise for his comments, dubbing them “disgusting” and “offensive”, but she said his comments would not impact the government’s investment in INEOS.

Asked whether the government is willing to continue to do business with Sir Jim, the chancellor said: “What Jim Ratcliffe has said was unacceptable. It was disgusting, frankly, and he should apologise for his remarks.

“But I’m not going to let what Jim Ratcliffe has said determine the future of jobs in Scotland.”

She added: “Our country benefits hugely from its diversity. We see that in our businesses, we see that in our universities, we see that in our cultural life, and we are richer because of the diversity of our country.

“So I would urge him to apologise for his offensive remarks, which have upset a lot of people and just frankly, do not represent, I think, the views in modern Britain today.”