John Barnes backs ‘legitimate’ Jim Ratcliffe remark however slams Farage | Football | Sport | EUROtoday

Former England worldwide footballer John Barnes has mentioned he has no problem with the meat of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s feedback on immigration. Manchester United part-owner Ratcliffe claimed the United Kingdom had been “colonised” by immigrants this week. Supporters teams have issued their very own responses following the feedback made by the billionaire, whereas the membership itself issued a press release on Thursday. Barnes, who was born in Jamaica and moved to England as a baby, thinks Ratcliffe is justified in citing the difficulty, however disagreed with Nigel Farage.

“I have no issue with Jim Ratcliffe. I have no issue with his debate on immigration, that’s a valid debate to be had,” Barnes mentioned on Good Morning Britain. “Of course, immigration brings a lot of good, and naturally when he talks about unlawful immigration, that must be addressed… I agree with him on that. The solely factor I’ve a difficulty with was the phrase ‘colonised’. That is the one factor about this complete debate, as a result of we have now to have significant dialogue on immigration, as as to if it’s good or it’s unhealthy.”

Barnes contested the Reform UK leader’s take, though. “I agree with [Ratcliffe] on some points about immigration and we can have that discussion but as far as the colonisation part goes, that is completely wrong,” he added.

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“For Nigel Farage to come and say yesterday, as I saw, that by the interpretation in the dictionary he agrees with him about England being colonised or Great Britain being colonised: No, the interpretation in the dictionary, the meaning in the dictionary actually states that it’s the domination, exploitation and control of an indigenous population by foreign entities, which is not happening here.”

“I’m sorry that my selection of language has offended some folks within the UK and Europe and triggered concern, however it is very important increase the difficulty of managed and well-managed immigration that helps financial development,” he said. “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.

“My intention was to emphasize that governments should handle migration alongside funding in expertise, trade and jobs in order that long-term prosperity is shared by everybody. It is vital that we keep an open debate on the challenges dealing with the UK.”