UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has responded to controversial comments made by Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the INEOS founder and part-owner of the Premier League club, recently made remarks concerning diversity in the UK during a media interview.
The statements prompted a public reply from the prime minister. Starmer addressed the issue while speaking to reporters on Thursday.
Starmer labels remarks “offensive and wrong”
Without repeating the details of Jim Ratcliffe’s comments, Keir Starmer made clear that he disagreed with them. He described the remarks as “offensive and wrong.”
The prime minister also said Ratcliffe “should apologise” for the statements. He added that Britain is “a proud, tolerant and diverse country.”
These comments caused quite a stir, especially considering Ratcliffe’s role as Manchester United’s part-owner as part of the INEOS group.
Exchange draws national attention
Ratcliffe’s comments were made as part of a wider conversation during his interview. The response from Downing Street has since attracted attention, given Ratcliffe’s prominence in business and football.
Starmer did not reference Ratcliffe’s role at Manchester United directly and instead focused on reaffirming his position.
The exchange has become a notable public moment involving two high-profile figures.
There has been no indication of further statements from either side. For now, the prime minister’s response stands as the clearest official reaction to the remarks.
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