Sir Jim Ratcliffe apologizes over immigration comment

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised after saying Britain had been “colonised” by migrants, admitting that his choice of words offended people in the UK and across Europe

The billionaire businessman came under intense pressure from senior political figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, to withdraw the remark. While expressing regret over the reaction it caused, Sir Jim maintained that his comments were intended to spark discussion about immigration policy and economic growth.

“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,” he said in a statement released on Thursday.

He explained that the remarks were made while responding to questions at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where the focus was on the UK economy, jobs, skills and manufacturing.

“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,” he added.

Sir Jim said his intention was to highlight the need for governments to balance migration with investment in skills and industry so prosperity is shared broadly.

“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.”

Downing Street welcomed the apology, with the Prime Minister’s official spokesman describing Sir Jim’s original remarks as “offensive and wrong” and saying it was “right” that he had apologised. Sir Keir Starmer was among the first senior politicians to publicly demand an apology.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also criticised the comments, saying they clashed with the city’s values. He noted that migrants, including footballers from around the world, had played a key role in shaping the region.

“Footballers who have arrived from all over the world to play in Greater Manchester have enhanced the life of our city region,” Burnham said.

He then appeared to take aim at Manchester United’s ownership, adding, “If any criticism is needed, it should be directed towards those who have offered little contribution to our life here and have instead spent years siphoning wealth out of one of our proudest institutions.”

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out described Sir Jim’s remarks as “disgraceful and deeply divisive” and also challenged his claim that the UK population had increased by 12 million since 2020, saying the figure was inaccurate.

The controversy followed an interview with Sky News in which Sir Jim said, “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK is being colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants.”

Sir Jim, who founded chemicals giant Ineos in 1998, bought a minority stake in Manchester United in late 2023, with his group taking control of football operations. Since then, a series of unpopular decisions, including changes to ticket pricing and availability, have fuelled fan anger.

Protests against the club’s ownership, directed at both the Glazers and Sir Jim for the first time, were held ahead of Manchester United’s recent home match against Fulham.