Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, has issued an apology after claiming that the UK is being “colonised” by immigrants. The Monaco-based petrochemicals magnate faced widespread condemnation from politicians, football fans and anti-racism campaigners for his remarks, which were based on inaccurate immigration statistics.
In an interview with Sky News, Ratcliffe said the UK could not afford “9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants”, adding: “The UK is being colonised by immigrants, really, isn’t it?” He cited a population increase from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million, but Office for National Statistics data shows the population was 67 million in 2020 and last at 58 million in 2000.
Manchester United issued a statement distancing themselves from Ratcliffe, reaffirming their commitment to “equality, diversity and inclusion” and noting that “anyone can call home” the city of Manchester. The Football Association is investigating whether Ratcliffe’s comments brought the game into disrepute, which could lead to disciplinary action.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the comments “offensive and wrong”, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves described them as “disgusting”. Critics highlighted Ratcliffe’s hypocrisy, noting he moved his tax domicile to Monaco in 2020 to save an estimated £4bn in tax, yet criticised immigrants for “costing too much”. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the remarks were “against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood”.
Ratcliffe’s apology was heavily qualified, stating he was “sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe”, but he did not retract his underlying views. He added that it was “important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration”. The response from Conservatives was muted, with Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride saying Ratcliffe was referencing a “great concern to millions”, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “Jim Ratcliffe is right.”
