Politics · 12 February 2026
Manchester mayor condemns Ratcliffe over insulting immigration remarks
Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has faced severe condemnation from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham following his assertion that immigration has "colonised" the UK. Burnham branded the comments divisive and factually wrong, calling on the billionaire to retract them. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer joined the criticism, saying an apology was warranted. Senior government figures labelled the statement inappropriate and inflammatory, while some opposition politicians said it reflected wider public unease about migration levels despite disagreeing with the language used.
Reported by Sky News · How we write briefs