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UK billionaire Ratcliffe says he is sorry people were offended by immigration comments

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 12, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: February 12, 2026

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UK billionaire Ratcliffe says he is sorry people were offended by immigration comments
Immigration UK economy economic growth public policy
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LONDON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe said on Thursday he was sorry that people took taking offence to his comments on immigration after he was criticised by Prime Minister Keir

Jim Ratcliffe Apologizes for Controversial Immigration Remarks

Jim Ratcliffe's Immigration Comments

LONDON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe said on Thursday he was sorry that people took taking offence to his comments on immigration after he was criticised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for saying the country had been "colonised by immigrants".

Public Reaction and Criticism

"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," Ratcliffe said in a statement.

Importance of Managed Immigration

(Reporting by Muvija MEditing by William Schomberg)

Key Takeaways

  • Jim Ratcliffe apologizes for his immigration comments.
  • His remarks were criticized by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
  • Ratcliffe emphasizes the importance of managed immigration.
  • Public reaction to his comments was significant.
  • The issue of immigration is linked to economic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is immigration?
Immigration is the process through which individuals move to a country other than their country of origin, often for reasons such as employment, education, or family reunification.
What is economic growth?
Economic growth refers to an increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over a period of time, typically measured by the rise in gross domestic product (GDP).
What is managed immigration?
Managed immigration refers to a system where a country regulates the flow of immigrants to ensure that it meets economic needs while maintaining social cohesion and security.

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