UK PM Starmer demands apology from 'offensive' Ratcliffe - ESPN

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has branded comments made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe that the country has been «colonised» by immigrants as «offensive and wrong» and insisted the Manchester United co-owner should apologise.

Ratcliffe drew a flurry of criticism on Wednesday following an interview with Sky News in which the 73-year-old complained at the impact of «huge levels of immigrants» entering the country.

The remarks prompted a rebuke from Sir Keir, as well as sparking outrage from a number of United supporter groups.

The Prime Minister posted on X: «Offensive and wrong. Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.»

Earlier in the day, Ratcliffe told Sky News: «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. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it?"

The interview was swiftly condemned by The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club (MUMSC) for including «language frequently used in far-right narratives.»

A statement issued by MUMSC read: «Manchester United is a global club built on diversity — on players, staff and supporters from every background, faith and ethnicity.

»The strength of our club, and of our country, lies in that diversity.

«We stand with all communities who reject racism, anti-Semintism, Islamophobia and hatred in all its forms and we call for leadership that unites rather than divides.»

The Manchester United Supporters Trust said: «Comments from the club's senior leadership should make inclusion easier, not harder.»

Anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out said in a statement there was «no place» for Ratcliffe's views in