UK has been 'colonised by immigrants'

Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United, has sparked controversy after claiming the United Kingdom has been "colonised" by immigrants during an interview with Sky News.

Speaking about what he described as mounting political, social and economic challenges, the INEOS founder criticised levels of immigration and welfare dependency in Britain.

"You can't have an economy with nine-million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in," Ratcliffe said. "I mean, the UK has been colonised. It's costing too much money.

"The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it? I mean, the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, now it's 70 million. That's 12 million people."

However, figures from the Office for National Statistics show the UK population was estimated at 67 million in mid-2020 and 70 million in mid-2024. The population stood at 58.9 million in 2000.

Ratcliffe, who resides in Monaco, also questioned whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer was suited to the role, suggesting the country required tougher leadership.

"I don't know whether it's just the apparatus that hasn't allowed Keir to do it or he's maybe too nice. I mean, Keir is a nice man. I like him, but it's a tough job," Ratcliffe said, adding that difficult and potentially unpopular decisions would be needed to address immigration and economic reform.

He revealed he had recently met Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, describing him as intelligent and well-intentioned, but reiterated that leadership would require someone willing to endure public backlash.

Drawing parallels with his role at Manchester United, Ratcliffe said he had faced criticism for implementing sweeping changes at the club but believed they were necessary.

"If you do difficult things, which we felt that we had to do at Manchester United… you do become very unpopular for a while," he said, adding that he aims to make the club the most profitable in the world.

Ratcliffe made the remarks while attending a European industry summit in Antwerp alongside leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, where discussions centred on the challenges facing Europe's economy and industrial sector.

The comments drew swift backlash. Starmer responded on X, calling Ratcliffe's remarks "offensive and wrong" and urging him to apologise.

"Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country," the Prime Minister wrote.

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out condemned the statements as "disgraceful and deeply divisive," noting that Manchester United has a diverse fanbase and is based in a city shaped by generations of migration.

The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club also expressed concern, warning that such rhetoric could have "real-world consequences."

Manchester United and the Premier League declined to comment when approached, while the debate around Ratcliffe's remarks continues to generate reaction across political and sporting circles.