Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe sparks storm with ‘UK colonised by immigrants’ claim
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for comments he made about immigration in the United Kingdom.
Image: AFP
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for his “choice of language” after claiming the “UK has been colonised by immigrants” during a television interview.
The billionaire businessman, founder and chairman of the Ineos chemicals company, made the remarks while discussing immigration and the UK economy. Speaking to Sky News, Ratcliffe suggested “huge levels of immigration” had harmed the country’s economic stability.
“You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,” said the Monaco-based businessman.
“I mean, the UK has been colonised. It's costing too much money,” he added, before repeating: “The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it?”
Ratcliffe also cited incorrect statistics, claiming the UK population had risen from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million. However, figures from the Office for National Statistics show the population was around 67 million in mid-2020 and just under 70 million in mid-2024.
The comments drew widespread criticism. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described them as “offensive and wrong” and urged Ratcliffe to apologise.
Kick It Out, the UK-based anti-discrimination body that works to counter racism in football, labelled the remarks “disgraceful and deeply divisive”.
“Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments are disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football does so much to bring communities together,” the organisation said in a statement.
“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.”
Several Manchester United supporters’ groups also criticised the comments, while Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham condemned the “inflammatory” remarks. Burnham said that while calling for immigration curbs was “one thing”, portraying those who arrived in Britain “as a hostile invading force is quite another”.
“It is inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory and should be withdrawn,” he added.
Following the backlash, Ratcliffe issued a statement apologising for his wording.
“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,” 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 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.”
AFP