By Euronews
Published on
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe apologised on Thursday following comments that Britain had been “colonised” by immigrants, remarks UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer slammed as “offensive and wrong”.
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“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,” Ratcliffe said in a statement.
The billionaire, who founded and chairs chemicals giant Ineos, spoke to Sky News on Wednesday at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp.
“You can’t have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,” he told the broadcaster. “I mean, the UK has been colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?”
Starmer responded on X, writing: “Offensive and wrong. Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.”
A Downing Street spokesperson said Ratcliffe’s remarks “play into the hands of those who want to divide our country” and demanded an immediate apology.
Ratcliffe stated that the UK population had grown from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million, an increase of 12 million.
The Office for National Statistics disputes these figures, estimating the population at 67 million in mid-2020 and 70 million in mid-2024.
Ratcliffe relocated to Monaco in 2020. The Sunday Times Rich List ranks him as Britain’s seventh-richest person with wealth estimated at £17 billion (€19.5 billion). Monaco does not levy personal income tax or capital gains tax.
Widespread criticism
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the comments as “inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory”.
“These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races and faiths have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United FC,” Burnham said.
Supporters’ group The 1958 labelled Ratcliffe “a total embarrassment” and called his remarks “very ill-advised”. The group criticised him for “commenting on the issues of our country while living in Monaco to avoid paying tax”.
The English Football Association (FA) will review whether the comments constitute bringing the game into disrepute, the Press Association reported. Any investigation would likely examine FA Rule E3.1, which covers general behaviour.
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out stated: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments are disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football does so much to bring communities together.”
Ratcliffe acquired a minority shareholding in Manchester United in late 2023. His Ineos company subsequently assumed control of the club’s football operations.
Additional sources • AP
