Sir Jim Ratcliffe Issues Apology for Controversial 'Colonised' Comments
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has formally apologised for his choice of language after claiming that migrants had 'colonised' the United Kingdom. The billionaire businessman, one of Britain's wealthiest individuals, faced significant pressure from prominent political figures to retract his inflammatory remarks.
Political Pressure and Public Backlash
Sir Jim found himself at the centre of a political storm following his comments, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer among the first to demand an apology. The Prime Minister's official spokesman later stated it was "right" that Ratcliffe apologised for what they described as "offensive and wrong" statements.
In Greater Manchester, Labour mayor Andy Burnham delivered a particularly pointed response, asserting that Ratcliffe's words "go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood." Burnham, who has previously supported Ratcliffe's regeneration plans for Old Trafford, highlighted the positive contributions of international footballers to the city region while appearing to criticise United's ownership structure.
The Controversial Interview and Subsequent Clarification
The controversy originated from an interview with Sky News on Wednesday, during which Ratcliffe claimed: "The UK is being colonised. It's costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants." He further suggested that the country couldn't sustain an economy with "nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in."
In his apology statement released on Thursday, Ratcliffe expressed regret that his language had "offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern." However, he maintained the importance of discussing "controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth." The industrialist explained his comments were made during discussions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where he was addressing economic growth, employment, skills development, and manufacturing.
Football Community Reaction and Club Response
The football world responded strongly to Ratcliffe's remarks. Kick It Out, the prominent anti-discrimination campaign group, described his comments as "disgraceful and deeply divisive" and challenged his claim about UK population growth since 2020, which they noted was inaccurate.
Manchester United issued its own statement following the controversy, emphasising that the club remains an "inclusive and welcoming" institution. The club highlighted its diverse roster of players, staff, and global supporters, noting they reflect "the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home."
Broader Context of Ratcliffe's United Involvement
Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in Manchester United in late 2023, with his Ineos group subsequently assuming control of football operations. His tenure has been marked by several contentious decisions, particularly regarding ticket pricing and availability, which have sparked frustration among the club's fanbase.
This discontent manifested recently in protests before Manchester United's home match against Fulham, where supporters demonstrated against both Ratcliffe and the Glazer family's ownership for the first time. The billionaire's controversial immigration comments have added another layer of scrutiny to his involvement with one of football's most storied institutions.
In his concluding remarks, Ratcliffe stressed that his intention was to emphasise that "governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone." He maintained the importance of maintaining "an open debate on the challenges facing the UK," even as he apologised for the language he used to frame these issues.
