Has racism been normalised in the immigration debate? - My Ways (feat. Lil Jokey) - Single Recap

Podcast: My Ways (feat. Lil Jokey) - Single

Published: 2026-02-12

Duration: 41 minutes

Guests: Jim Ratcliffe, Natalie Fleet

Summary

The episode investigates whether racism has become normalized in the immigration debate, sparked by Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments labeling immigrants as 'colonizers.' It also touches on broader issues within the British political and civil service spheres.

What Happened

Jim Ratcliffe, a British billionaire and part owner of Manchester United, sparked controversy by describing immigrants as 'colonizers,' a term traditionally used by the far right. His remarks were condemned by Prime Minister Keir Starmer as offensive and inaccurate, and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham criticized them as inflammatory and misleading. Ratcliffe's comments highlight a broader trend towards the normalization of far-right language in the mainstream political discourse, raising concerns about the impact of such rhetoric on public perception.

Despite being a successful businessman, Ratcliffe's claims about immigration numbers were factually incorrect. He stated the UK's population is 58 million, while the Office for National Statistics reported it as 67 million in 2020. This underscores a worrying trend where influential figures make unverified claims that can perpetuate misinformation.

The podcast delves into the historical context of immigration, referencing Satnam Sangha's book 'Empire Land.' The book argues that the UK's colonial past is a significant factor in current immigration patterns, encapsulated in the phrase 'They are here because we were there.' This historical perspective is essential for understanding the roots of immigration and challenging the narratives that paint immigrants as invaders.

The episode also touches on the internal dynamics of the British civil service and the potential appointment of Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary. This discussion raises questions about the effectiveness of the British state machinery and the 'boys club' mentality that may influence such appointments.

There is a suggestion that the British civil service could be improved by halving its size while doubling salaries to attract better talent. This contrasts with the French model, where civil servants specialize in one area throughout their careers, building deep expertise.

The podcast briefly addresses the justice system's failure to adequately support victims of sexual violence. This issue is highlighted through the experiences of Natalie Fleet, a Labour MP for Bolsover, who is a victim of grooming and speaks passionately about the need for systemic change.

The episode concludes by proposing a grading system for differentiating between severe crimes and lesser offenses, suggesting that the current system lacks nuance. This idea is part of a broader critique of how media and political culture prioritize personalities over victims' experiences.

Key Insights

• A British billionaire called immigrants 'colonizers,' echoing far-right rhetoric. His remarks were so off-base that even the UK Prime Minister called them out, showing how extreme language is slipping into the mainstream and warping public perception.
• Despite his business acumen, Jim Ratcliffe claimed the UK's population is 58 million, missing the mark by 9 million according to official stats. This blunder highlights a troubling trend of influential figures spreading misinformation that sticks.
• The UK's colonial history plays a huge role in today's immigration patterns, summed up by 'They are here because we were there.' This historical lens flips the narrative, challenging the idea of immigrants as invaders and deepening our understanding of migration.
• Halving the UK civil service while doubling their pay to attract top talent. This radical idea contrasts with France's approach of deep specialization, sparking debate on how to fix a system often seen as an old boys' club.