‘Trying to take focus off himself!’

The figures and statistics cited by Sir Jim during the interview with Sky News were proven to be incorrect, but it didn’t stop his sentiment from being echoed by many public figures.

Former Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne publicly backed the comments, while GB News regulars Michelle Dewberry, Alex Armstrong, and Patrick Christys also came out swinging for Sir Jim.

However, the billionaire was also met by fury from critics, including the prime minister himself, as well as Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, and another Dragons’ Den alum, Deborah Meaden.

Less than 24 hours after he made the remarks to Sky, Sir Jim has issued an apology for his “choice of language,” and the offence caused to “some people in the UK and Europe”.

He added: “But it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.

“My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills, and manufacturing in the UK.

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“My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry, and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”

Sir Jim’s apology came just hours after it was announced that the Football Association would examine whether the Manchester United co-owner brought the game into disrepute.

If the FA chooses to formally investigate, the probe may be focused on FA Rule E3.1, which covers general behaviour.

One person who is less than happy with the handling of the entire saga, particularly by the Prime Minister, is GB News star Nana, who used X to vent her frustrations.

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Nana fumed after learning of Mr Starmer’s calls for Sir Jim to apologise, using the scandals that have engulfed the Labour Party of late as reason to question his judgement.

“Keir Starmer has the nerve to demand Jim Ratcliffe apologise. Why should he?” she pondered.

“He’s not running the country (I’m sure he’d do a better job). Immigration is out of control. How about Starmer focuses his outrage on that instead?”

When Nana faced criticism for her stance, she hit back: “I’m the daughter of immigrants, and I can admit immigration is out of control; that’s the point he’s making. Starmer is just trying to take the focus off himself.”

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And after Mr Ratcliffe apologised, Nana refused to move the spotlight off the under pressure Labour leader.

“Jim Ratcliffe has apologised.. Can we now focus on Keir Starmer and his bad judgement?” she demanded. “He’s not fit to be Prime Minister.”

Nana’s furious tirade comes at a tumultuous time for the Labour Party, which has been plagued by a series of high-profile scandals, appointments and departures, and U-turns.

Nana’s thoughts were echoed by a number of her X followers who were quick to share their thoughts on her social media posts.

“No idea why he apologised. He is 100% correct!!! Probably to shut the woke left up,” one X user suggested.

A second claimed: “Starmer apologised and Sir Jim Radcliffe, wrongly, apologised. Starmer will think there’s a comparison!!!”

“He should have stood by his words,” a third said, while a fourth echoed: “Shouldn’t have apologised, he was correct.”

Elsewhere, Nana’s fellow People’s Channel star Alex Armstrong was similarly angered by Mr Ratcliffe’s apology and the pressure put on him by Number 10.

The Alex Armstrong Tonight star penned: “Hundreds of thousands of illegal economic migrants are breaking into our country, some raping children and murdering Brits, yet the PM and establishment unleashed fury over Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s personal thoughts on immigration.

“Disgraceful state of Britain in 2026,” he signed off.