Sir Jim Ratcliffe apologise after “colonised” immigration remarks

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised after claiming the UK had been “colonised by immigrants," following criticism from the Prime Minister, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and fans.In an interview with Sky News discussing UK policy and competitiveness, Ratcliffe argued high immigration and high numbers of people on benefits were undermining the economy and used language that prompted an immediate political backlash.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Offensive and wrong. Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.”Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham also called on Ratcliffe to retract the remarks: “These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races, faiths and none have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United FC.”Ratcliffe later issued a statement apologising for the phrasing while insisting he wanted a wider debate about migration policy and economic growth. He 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.“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.”A Manchester United supporters’ group also condemned the language, warning it carried consequences beyond politics. Manchester United’s Muslim Supporters Club said: “Public discourse shapes public behaviour.“When influential figures adopt language that mirrors extremist talking points, it risks legitimising prejudice and deepening division.”The row has added to scrutiny on Ratcliffe, founder and chair of INEOS, who became a minority owner at Manchester United under a deal that gave his group control of football operations. Since the investment, United have been going through an internal reset that has included cost-cutting and structural change, and Ratcliffe has increasingly acted as a prominent public voice around the club’s direction.In the interview, Ratcliffe drew parallels between running the club and the demands of national leadership, arguing difficult decisions often come with an initial reputational cost. He said: “I’ve seen quite a bit of this at the football club. If you do difficult things, which we felt that we had to do at Manchester United… we felt like they were the right things to do. But you do become very unpopular for a while.”Ratcliffe also questioned whether the Prime Minister had the temperament to take unpopular steps, while indicating he viewed Starmer personally in positive terms. He said: “I don’t know whether it’s just the apparatus that hasn’t allowed Keir to do it or he’s maybe too nice. I mean, Keir is a nice man. I like him, but it’s a tough job and I think you have to do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track.”Sky News noted that Ratcliffe cited inaccurate population figures during the exchange. Official estimates put the UK population at about 67 million in mid-2020, rising to around 70 million in mid-2024, rather than the jump Ratcliffe described.Immigration remains one of the most politically charged issues in the UK, with governments under pressure to cut net migration while also addressing labour shortages and wider growth priorities. Ratcliffe’s remarks entered that debate at a moment of heightened tension, with senior politicians arguing that language associated with “colonisation” risks inflaming division and echoing extremist narratives.Ratcliffe’s apology sought to reframe his comments as a call for “controlled and well-managed immigration” aligned to jobs, skills and industry. Critics argue the choice of words cannot be separated from the wider political context, particularly given Ratcliffe’s profile in business and sport and the visibility that comes with his position at Manchester United.For United, the episode lands while the club are trying to rebuild trust with sections of the fanbase and set out long-term plans on performance, finance and infrastructure. Supporters’ groups have made clear they expect club leadership to reflect the values of the city and the club’s diverse following, and that public remarks from owners carry consequences well beyond the boardroom.