Jim Ratcliffe Faces Backlash and Apologizes for Controversial Immigration Remarks

Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, issued an apology on Thursday following widespread condemnation for his remarks suggesting that Britain has been 'colonised by immigrants.' The comments drew sharp criticism from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described them as 'offensive and wrong.' Ratcliffe made the controversial statements during an interview with Sky News at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp on Wednesday. He suggested that the UK economy cannot sustain an increasing immigrant population alongside high numbers of citizens relying on benefits: 'You can’t have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK has been colonised.' He further asserted that the financial implications of immigration are too significant, stating that the UK has effectively been colonised by immigrants. In response, Starmer took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval, stating, 'Britain is a proud, tolerant, and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.' A spokesperson for Downing Street echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Ratcliffe’s comments could exacerbate divisions within the country. In his apology, Ratcliffe expressed regret over his choice of language, acknowledging that it offended many people in the UK and Europe. He emphasized the importance of discussing 'controlled and well-managed' immigration that would benefit economic growth. He claimed that the population of the UK increased from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million, although these figures clash with estimates from the Office for National Statistics, which places the population at 67 million in mid-2020 and projected at 70 million in mid-2024. Criticism of Ratcliffe’s comments extended beyond political figures. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called the remarks 'inaccurate, insulting, and inflammatory,' stating they contradict the inclusive values that Manchester typically represents - a city that has historically embraced diversity and unity. The Manchester United supporters' group, The 1958, labelled Ratcliffe a 'total embarrassment' and denounced his remarks as 'very ill-advised,' questioning his standing to comment on domestic issues while living abroad in Monaco to avoid tax liabilities. Ratcliffe reportedly relocated to Monaco in 2020, where he benefits from favorable tax laws, including the absence of personal income tax or capital gains tax. The English Football Association (FA) announced it would review whether Ratcliffe's comments could be considered as bringing the game into disrepute, potentially invoking FA Rule E31 that governs general player and organizational behavior. The anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out described Ratcliffe's comments as 'disgraceful' and 'deeply divisive,' especially at a time when football is being used effectively to unify communities. Ratcliffe’s involvement with Manchester United includes a minority stake that was acquired in late 2023, after which his company, Ineos, gained oversight of the club’s football operations. The ongoing controversy surrounding his comments unfolds as the club and its management continue to navigate challenges both on and off the pitch. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2