Prominent British billionaire Sir Michael Moritz has publicly declared his application for German citizenship, describing it as an essential "insurance policy" should he need to flee the United Kingdom. The 71-year-old venture capitalist and author has starkly characterised Britain as "an uncomfortable place for Jews," asserting that the nation exhibits far greater hostility towards its Jewish community than the United States.
A Personal History of Persecution
Sir Michael, who was born in Wales and holds both UK and US passports, has written extensively about his family's traumatic experiences under Nazi rule. His paternal grandparents were among the millions of Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust. In his memoir, titled 'Auslander'—meaning 'foreigner' in German—he details this persecution, noting that two of his relatives were photographed by the Gestapo as they were forced onto buses destined for their deaths.
"Antisemitism is always in the air," Sir Michael told the BBC, drawing modern parallels to the persecution his family endured in 1930s Germany. He emphasised that his parents managed to escape Germany and settle in Cardiff, where he grew up, yet he always felt like an outsider.
Contemporary Concerns and Anecdotal Evidence
The investor, who made his fortune through early investments in companies like Google and Yahoo, cited specific incidents to illustrate his concerns. He referenced the attack on Manchester's Heaton Park synagogue in October of last year, revealing, "I have cousins who live less than half a mile from the Heaton Park synagogue."
Furthermore, Sir Michael highlighted disturbing social trends, stating that there are "kids in north-west London who no longer wear their school blazers" to avoid being identified as attending Jewish schools. "It's all these anecdotes that strike home more than anything else," he remarked, underscoring the palpable fear within the community.
Germany as a Conscious Choice
Explaining his decision to seek German citizenship specifically, Sir Michael pointed to the country's educational focus on its dark history. "I think it's the one place in Europe where what happened [nearly] 100 years ago forms a very central part of the educational system, so you have generations that have been reared with that as part of their consciousness," he said. This passport would provide a potential escape route—an option his ancestors tragically lacked under Hitler's regime.
Business Climate and Broader Billionaire Exodus
Sir Michael also commented on the UK's business environment, comparing it unfavourably to the US and China. He argued that Britain lacks the necessary expertise to nurture new technology in the manner of Silicon Valley, making it a less attractive destination for enterprise.
His remarks coincide with a notable exodus of other British billionaires, though primarily for financial reasons linked to recent tax policies. Chancellor Rachel Reeves' October budget, which abolished the non-dom tax regime and imposed inheritance tax on the worldwide assets of long-term foreign residents, has been blamed for this trend.
Notable departures include:
- Nassef Sawiris, Egyptian co-owner of Aston Villa FC, who shifted his tax residency to Italy.
- Brothers Ian and Richard Livingstone, overseeing a £9 billion property empire, who relocated to Monaco.
- Malawi-born billionaire developer Asif Aziz, owner of London's former Trocadero, who moved his tax base to Abu Dhabi.
While these individuals cite fiscal motives, Sir Michael's pursuit of a German passport is uniquely driven by profound concerns over societal safety and antisemitism, marking a significant and personal statement on the current climate in Britain.
