GB News presenter Michelle Dewberry has defended her partner Simon Jordan following criticism of his comments about immigration and Muslim communities on TalkSPORT.
The former Crystal Palace chairman faced backlash after discussing Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial remarks about Britain being “colonised” by immigrants.
Islamic news outlet 5PillarsUK shared a clip of Jordan’s broadcast appearance on X, accusing him of having “raged against the Muslim community.”
Dewberry responded by reposting the criticism with a dismissive message: “‘Raged against the Muslim community’ Oh get over yourselves.”
Michelle Dewberry penned a defensive statement on X
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X
She continued: “I know you’d love a society where people aren’t allowed to discuss the issues which seem to originate from many within your community, but this is Britain, we have free speech – whether you like that, or not.”
During his TalkSPORT appearance, Mr Jordan referenced certain areas of Britain where, he claimed, particular communities “in part wants to have Sharia law in this country” and had “decided that Israelis and Jews were not permitted to go into that particular part of the country.”
The former football club chairman suggested some might view this as “a form of colonisation.”
However, he went on to add: “I wouldn’t use those terminologies, and I don’t think Jim Ratcliffe should have done.”
Simon Jordan defended Jim Ratcliffe on TalkSport
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TalkSport
Mr Jordan also raised the topic of first cousin marriage, claiming “certain communities would also like to have first cousin marriage ceded into law in this country.”
5PillarsUK described his remarks as featuring “several far right, Islamophobic talking points, including Shari’ah law, first cousin marriages and Jew hatred.”
Mr Jordan’s comments came in response to Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s interview with Sky News, in which the INEOS billionaire declared that the UK “has been colonised by immigrants” and that “it’s costing too much money.”
The remarks from the businessman, who topped The Sunday Times Rich List in 2018 and was ranked seventh last year, have sparked significant controversy.
Michelle Dewberry hit out at the X post on Thursday
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GB NEWSOn Thursday, Mr Ratcliffe issued an apology after intense public call to do so, including by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
He stated: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe.”
He added: “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.
“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.”
GB News understands the Football Association will examine whether Sir Jim’s initial comments “brought the game into disrepute” and breached regulations.
Football anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has already condemned the comments.
They said: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments are disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football does so much to bring communities together.
“In addition to the inaccurate figures mentioned, it’s worth reminding him that Manchester United has a diverse fan base and plays in a city whose cultural history has been enriched by immigrants.
“This type of language and leadership has no place in English football and we believe most fans will feel the same.”