Newscast

Sir Jim Ratcliffe Says Sorry (To Some) For 'Colonised' Comments

Feb 12, 2026
Justin Rowlatt, BBC climate editor who explains emissions data, and Simon Stone, BBC football reporter who covers Manchester United and club politics. They discuss Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s “colonised” remark and the fallout in football and politics. They also explore new data suggesting China’s CO2 emissions dipped, what that means for global trends, and links to UK weather and energy politics.
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INSIGHT

Rapid Political Polarisation

  • Political figures reacted quickly: Keir Starmer condemned the comments while Nigel Farage defended them, highlighting partisan divides on immigration.
  • The episode crystallised party positions and reopened public debate on immigration rhetoric.
ANECDOTE

Mixed Reactions From Fans

  • Manchester United supporter groups reacted differently, with the Muslim supporters club expressing hurt and the 1958 group calling it an embarrassment.
  • Some independent fans agreed with Ratcliffe, showing a divided fanbase.
INSIGHT

FA Could Intervene

  • The FA can investigate and sanction owners for incendiary comments, but it had only begun looking into Ratcliffe's remarks.
  • Whether they charge him will indicate if his words crossed the governing body's conduct threshold.
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