The Manchester United owner has caused anger amongst some with his comments on migration.
The billionaire believes that the UK has been ‘colonised’ (Image: Getty)
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has caused controversy after claiming that “the UK has been colonised by immigrants”. The billionaire, who is founder and chairman of one of the world’s largest chemical companies, Ineos, said politicians needed to “do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track”.
In an interview with Sky News, the Ineos owner said: “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK is being colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants.” So what do you think? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comments section. Can’t see the poll below? Click here
Sir Jim added: “If you really want to deal with the major issues of immigration, with people opting to take benefits rather than working for a living, if you want to deal with that, then you are going to have to do some things which are unpopular and show some courage.”
In the interview, Sir Jim said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was “maybe too nice”.
He added: “It’s a tough job, and I think you have to do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track.”
The Manchester United co-owner said Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was an “intelligent man” with “good intentions”.
He added: “But in a way, you could say exactly the same about Keir when Keir came in.
“I think it needs somebody who’s prepared to be unpopular for a period of time to get the big issues sorted out.”
Reflecting on the comments today, Ratcliffe appeared to backtrack, as he apologised for any offence caused.
In a statement, the founder of the INEOS chemicals group and Manchester United co-owner said: “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 added: “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.”
Sir Jim bought a minority share in Manchester United in late 2023 and his Ineos group has since taken control of football operations.
The billionaire has presided over a variety of contentious changes since becoming part of the ownership, with ticket pricing and availability causing particular anger among United fans.
A protest against the club’s owners – including for the first time towards Sir Jim as well as the Glazers – took place before Manchester United’s recent home game against Fulham.
