Newscast (BBC)

Episode: Sir Jim Ratcliffe Says Sorry (To Some) For 'Colonised' Comments
Date: February 12, 2026
Hosts: Alex (Westminster), James (Studio)
Special Guests: Simon Stone (BBC Sport), Justin Rowlatt (BBC Climate Editor)

Episode Overview

This edition of Newscast dives into two major stories: the political fallout after Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments on immigration and the latest data suggesting China's carbon emissions may have peaked. The hosts dissect reaction from Westminster, football, and the public, and analyze the broader implications for UK politics and global climate action.

1. Ratcliffe's Immigration Comments: Backlash and Apology

Background: Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe?

Leading English businessman, founder of Ineos, one of UK’s richest people (est. £17bn)
Failed bidder for Chelsea FC, bought into Manchester United (now effectively runs club)
Known for controversial stances and involvement in public issues

Simon Stone:

"He's a very, very successful and rich businessman, but in more recent times, is almost better known for running Manchester United." (04:27)

The Comments (Sky News Interview, 05:14)

Ratcliffe claimed:

"You can't have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in... The UK is being colonized... It's costing too much money." (05:14-05:33)

Data cited about population were incorrect (actual figures ONS: 66.7m in mid 2020s to 69.4m in 2025) (05:54)

Political Backlash (06:00–08:00)

PM Keir Starmer: Rapid, public condemnation; called comments "completely wrong" and "unacceptable"
Chancellor Rachel Reeves: Described them as "disgusting"
Nigel Farage (Reform UK): Defended Ratcliffe, criticized Labour for "ignoring" mass immigration concerns

Alex (Host):

"It's the use of that word colonised in particular, that has attracted such a lot of attention and... criticism. And actually the Prime Minister's intervention on this was really quick." (06:54)

Ratcliffe’s Response (08:00)

Issued a statement:

"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." (08:15)

Not a full retraction; pivoted to argue for open debate on immigration.

Reaction Within Manchester United (09:00–11:30)

Supporters' Groups:
- Muslim supporters’ club: "Stokes the flames of disunity"
- The 1958 group: "Total embarrassment from someone who is living in Monaco"
- Some fans broadly agree with Ratcliffe's views; reactions remain divided
Simon Stone:

"It is... uncomfortable for any organization to be in, especially a global brand like Manchester United." (11:09)

FA Inquiry (11:32)

FA reviewing remarks under owners’ conduct rules
No formal action/charges yet (12:55)

Political Positioning

Nigel Farage doubled down with a media statement, defending Ratcliffe, stating:

"If you don't like the word, we'll tone it down," but maintained broader points (12:55)
Labour and Conservatives both publicly rejected the "colonized" language but state a debate over immigration levels is valid
Liberal Democrats: Called remarks "totally out of step with British values" (18:35)

James (Host):

"One is a practical concern and one is a more existential concern about the culture of the nation... it certainly opens a debate about both of these avenues of immigration debate, doesn't it?" (14:05)

Labour reminiscent of when Starmer previously used the phrase "island of strangers," which he later regretted (17:10)

2. China’s Carbon Emissions: Have They Peaked? (23:25–36:00)

Headline

For the first full year, China’s carbon emissions declined, down by 0.3% (23:47)
Debate whether this signals a lasting “peak” or is a blip

Justin Rowlatt:

"China's emissions overtook America back in 2006. Now China produces almost three times the emissions of America." (24:09)

Why Are Emissions Falling?

Roots in 20+ years of policy, strategic investment in green tech
China sending students abroad for expertise, then building robust industries in renewables
Now installing massive solar, wind, batteries—growth in clean energy outpacing coal/gas expansion

Justin Rowlatt:

"They took that skill of manufacturing, applied it to clean technology... The result was an unbelievable reduction in cost." (27:07)

Political Implications

UK Conservatives & Reform UK cite China as a reason not to push UK net zero targets
These numbers (even if slight) challenge the "it’s pointless if China pollutes" argument (29:39)

Data Credibility?

Numbers come from independent bodies using Chinese raw data
Data viewed as credible, though margins of error exist (30:33)

Contrasts with US (33:12)

US (esp. under Trump): cutting climate regulations, moving away from federal rules on emissions
California likely to push back—state-level rules may carry disproportionate weight

Justin Rowlatt:

"America's doubling down on fossil fuels... China is offering the world a very different model." (33:36)

Big Picture

Solar/wind cheaper than fossil in US/China, so market forces may keep trend despite US deregulation
China, as the world's biggest emitter, has outsized influence on the global curve, more so than US

3. Weather, Climate, and the Long Gloom (36:23)

Rain and Gloom in the UK

Discussion with Justin Rowlatt: Increasing UK rainfall, intensity tied to long-term climate change (37:35)
Persistent gloom in Aberdeen—just ended its record (since 1957) sunless stretch (39:44)
Quick climate/weather distinction: Most of the recent UK rain due to jet steam patterns, not just climate change
On a lighter note, a rare sunny morning brought optimism (38:06)

4. Quick News Hits

Manchester United stadium plans: Still at discussion stage, no planning submitted; local political friction due to Ratcliffe’s comments (19:41–21:54)
Westminster update: Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald steps down as part of government reset (39:10)
Aberdeen's sunless spell ends: 30 minutes of sunshine breaks record for consecutive gloomy days (39:44)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Sir Jim Ratcliffe:

"The UK is being colonized... It's costing too much money." (05:14–05:33)
Prime Minister’s reaction:

"Completely wrong... unacceptable." (Reported at 06:54)
Nigel Farage (on social):

"If you don't like the word, we'll tone it down." (12:55)
Simon Stone:

"It is... uncomfortable for any organization to be in, especially a global brand like Manchester United." (11:09)
Justin Rowlatt:

"China's emissions overtook America back in 2006. Now China produces almost three times the emissions of America." (24:09)
James (Host):

"One is a practical concern and one is a more existential concern..." (14:05)

Key Timestamps for Segments

[02:01] Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe?
[05:14] Audio clip of Ratcliffe's “colonized” comments
[06:54] Reactions from political leaders
[08:15] Ratcliffe’s apology statement
[09:02] Man United fan and club reaction
[11:32] FA response
[12:55] Nigel Farage’s media response
[17:10] Labour’s previous language and positioning
[23:25] China’s carbon emissions - context and data
[27:07] Why is China’s strategy working?
[29:39] Political impact in UK over net zero
[30:33] Data reliability discussion
[33:36] US vs. China climate approaches
[36:23–38:49] UK’s gloomy weather, climate connection
[39:10] Cabinet Secretary steps down
[39:44] Aberdeen’s sunless spell ends

Tone & Style

Conversational, analytical, fast-paced but measured—balancing breaking news urgency with reflective insight. Quotes are attributed, and guests add expert and front-line perspectives (football, climate policy).

Summary for New Listeners

This episode explores the intersection of sport, politics, and society, as the fallout from a football owner's inflammatory immigration comments ricochets through the British establishment and prompts sharp reactions from politicians and fans alike. Meanwhile, a potentially historic turn in China’s carbon emission trend provides a lens through which to view UK climate policy arguments and the shifting global landscape of energy and emissions. The hosts break down complex issues with clarity, drawing connections between headlines, public mood, and deeper policy debates before ending on a rare bright note for Scotland’s weather.

Newscast (BBC)

Episode Overview

1. Ratcliffe's Immigration Comments: Backlash and Apology

Background: Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe?

Leading English businessman, founder of Ineos, one of UK’s richest people (est. £17bn)
Failed bidder for Chelsea FC, bought into Manchester United (now effectively runs club)
Known for controversial stances and involvement in public issues

Simon Stone:

"He's a very, very successful and rich businessman, but in more recent times, is almost better known for running Manchester United." (04:27)

The Comments (Sky News Interview, 05:14)

Ratcliffe claimed:

"You can't have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in... The UK is being colonized... It's costing too much money." (05:14-05:33)

Data cited about population were incorrect (actual figures ONS: 66.7m in mid 2020s to 69.4m in 2025) (05:54)

Political Backlash (06:00–08:00)

PM Keir Starmer: Rapid, public condemnation; called comments "completely wrong" and "unacceptable"
Chancellor Rachel Reeves: Described them as "disgusting"
Nigel Farage (Reform UK): Defended Ratcliffe, criticized Labour for "ignoring" mass immigration concerns

Alex (Host):

"It's the use of that word colonised in particular, that has attracted such a lot of attention and... criticism. And actually the Prime Minister's intervention on this was really quick." (06:54)

Ratcliffe’s Response (08:00)

Issued a statement:

"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." (08:15)

Not a full retraction; pivoted to argue for open debate on immigration.

Reaction Within Manchester United (09:00–11:30)

Supporters' Groups:
- Muslim supporters’ club: "Stokes the flames of disunity"
- The 1958 group: "Total embarrassment from someone who is living in Monaco"
- Some fans broadly agree with Ratcliffe's views; reactions remain divided
Simon Stone:

"It is... uncomfortable for any organization to be in, especially a global brand like Manchester United." (11:09)

FA Inquiry (11:32)

FA reviewing remarks under owners’ conduct rules
No formal action/charges yet (12:55)

Political Positioning

Nigel Farage doubled down with a media statement, defending Ratcliffe, stating:

"If you don't like the word, we'll tone it down," but maintained broader points (12:55)
Labour and Conservatives both publicly rejected the "colonized" language but state a debate over immigration levels is valid
Liberal Democrats: Called remarks "totally out of step with British values" (18:35)

James (Host):

"One is a practical concern and one is a more existential concern about the culture of the nation... it certainly opens a debate about both of these avenues of immigration debate, doesn't it?" (14:05)

Labour reminiscent of when Starmer previously used the phrase "island of strangers," which he later regretted (17:10)

2. China’s Carbon Emissions: Have They Peaked? (23:25–36:00)

Headline

For the first full year, China’s carbon emissions declined, down by 0.3% (23:47)
Debate whether this signals a lasting “peak” or is a blip

Justin Rowlatt:

"China's emissions overtook America back in 2006. Now China produces almost three times the emissions of America." (24:09)

Why Are Emissions Falling?

Roots in 20+ years of policy, strategic investment in green tech
China sending students abroad for expertise, then building robust industries in renewables
Now installing massive solar, wind, batteries—growth in clean energy outpacing coal/gas expansion

Justin Rowlatt:

"They took that skill of manufacturing, applied it to clean technology... The result was an unbelievable reduction in cost." (27:07)

Political Implications

UK Conservatives & Reform UK cite China as a reason not to push UK net zero targets
These numbers (even if slight) challenge the "it’s pointless if China pollutes" argument (29:39)

Data Credibility?

Numbers come from independent bodies using Chinese raw data
Data viewed as credible, though margins of error exist (30:33)

Contrasts with US (33:12)

US (esp. under Trump): cutting climate regulations, moving away from federal rules on emissions
California likely to push back—state-level rules may carry disproportionate weight

Justin Rowlatt:

"America's doubling down on fossil fuels... China is offering the world a very different model." (33:36)

Big Picture

Solar/wind cheaper than fossil in US/China, so market forces may keep trend despite US deregulation
China, as the world's biggest emitter, has outsized influence on the global curve, more so than US

3. Weather, Climate, and the Long Gloom (36:23)

Rain and Gloom in the UK

Discussion with Justin Rowlatt: Increasing UK rainfall, intensity tied to long-term climate change (37:35)
Persistent gloom in Aberdeen—just ended its record (since 1957) sunless stretch (39:44)
Quick climate/weather distinction: Most of the recent UK rain due to jet steam patterns, not just climate change
On a lighter note, a rare sunny morning brought optimism (38:06)

4. Quick News Hits

Manchester United stadium plans: Still at discussion stage, no planning submitted; local political friction due to Ratcliffe’s comments (19:41–21:54)
Westminster update: Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald steps down as part of government reset (39:10)
Aberdeen's sunless spell ends: 30 minutes of sunshine breaks record for consecutive gloomy days (39:44)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Sir Jim Ratcliffe:

"The UK is being colonized... It's costing too much money." (05:14–05:33)
Prime Minister’s reaction:

"Completely wrong... unacceptable." (Reported at 06:54)
Nigel Farage (on social):

"If you don't like the word, we'll tone it down." (12:55)
Simon Stone:

"It is... uncomfortable for any organization to be in, especially a global brand like Manchester United." (11:09)
Justin Rowlatt:

"China's emissions overtook America back in 2006. Now China produces almost three times the emissions of America." (24:09)
James (Host):

"One is a practical concern and one is a more existential concern..." (14:05)

Key Timestamps for Segments

[02:01] Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe?
[05:14] Audio clip of Ratcliffe's “colonized” comments
[06:54] Reactions from political leaders
[08:15] Ratcliffe’s apology statement
[09:02] Man United fan and club reaction
[11:32] FA response
[12:55] Nigel Farage’s media response
[17:10] Labour’s previous language and positioning
[23:25] China’s carbon emissions - context and data
[27:07] Why is China’s strategy working?
[29:39] Political impact in UK over net zero
[30:33] Data reliability discussion
[33:36] US vs. China climate approaches
[36:23–38:49] UK’s gloomy weather, climate connection
[39:10] Cabinet Secretary steps down
[39:44] Aberdeen’s sunless spell ends