‘UK Has Been Colonised’: INEOS Boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe Blames Immigration for Britain’s Decline
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ShareSummary: Sir Jim Ratcliffe has claimed the UK has been “colonised by immigrants” and warned the country is facing deep economic and social strain. Speaking to Sky News, the INEOS founder said rising migration and high benefit levels are unsustainable. His remarks will reignite debate over immigration, welfare and whether Britain’s political class has lost control.
‘The UK Has Been Colonised’
In an interview with Sky News, INEOS founder and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe delivered a blunt verdict on Britain’s direction.
“You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,” he said. “The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it? The population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, now it’s 70 million.”
Official figures from the Office for National Statistics estimate the UK population at 67 million in mid-2020 and 70 million in mid-2024. In 2000, it stood at 58.9 million.
Immigration and Welfare Under Fire
Sir Jim argued that rising immigration alongside high welfare dependency is placing unsustainable pressure on public finances.
His comments reflect growing concern among business leaders and voters that infrastructure, housing and public services are struggling to keep pace with rapid population growth.
While critics will challenge his choice of language, the underlying argument mirrors concerns expressed across the political spectrum about scale and affordability.
Political Courage or Political Chaos
Ratcliffe suggested that Britain needs leaders willing to take unpopular decisions. He questioned whether the current prime minister is prepared to make the tough calls required to reset the country’s direction.
He also revealed he had recently met Nigel Farage, describing him as intelligent and well-intentioned, while adding that similar things could be said about Keir Starmer.
His central message was clear. Whoever leads Britain must be willing to endure short-term unpopularity to tackle immigration and welfare dependency.
The Elephant in the Room
Ratcliffe’s remarks will divide opinion. Some will condemn the language. Others will argue he is articulating what many voters already feel.
Net migration has reached historic highs in recent years, and public frustration over housing, NHS access and cost of living pressures continues to grow.
The real question is not whether his words are provocative. It is whether Britain’s political leadership has a credible plan to address the scale of change already underway.
