A major political row has erupted involving one of Britain’s richest men and the co-owner of Manchester United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the founder of the chemicals giant Ineos, is facing widespread condemnation after claiming the United Kingdom has been “colonised by immigrants” during a television interview. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has labeled the remarks “offensive and wrong,” while football fan groups have expressed deep concern over the divisive language.
Here is a breakdown of the comments, the backlash, and the data behind the claims.
The Controversial Interview
Speaking to Sky News economic editor Ed Conway at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, Ratcliffe likened running the UK economy to turning around a football club. He suggested that politicians, like football managers, need to be prepared to make unpopular decisions.
However, the conversation turned controversial when Ratcliffe discussed immigration and the economy:
“I mean, the UK has been colonised. It’s costing too much money… The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?”
He went on to claim that the population had surged from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million today—a figure he attributed to “huge levels of immigrants”—and argued that the economy cannot sustain “nine million people on benefits.”
The Backlash: “Disgraceful and Divisive”
The reaction was swift and severe from both the political and sporting worlds.
- The Government: A Downing Street spokesperson said the comments “play into the hands of those who want to divide our country.” Sir Keir Starmer called on Ratcliffe to apologize.
- Fan Groups: The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) issued a statement emphasizing that “no fan should feel excluded… because of their race, religion, nationality or background.” The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club warned that the term “colonised” echoes far-right narratives that frame migrants as invaders.
- Anti-Racism Bodies: Kick It Out described the remarks as “disgraceful,” while Show Racism the Red Card urged football leadership to challenge racism rather than amplify it.
- Political Support: Conversely, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage defended Ratcliffe, stating that mass immigration has “changed the character of many areas” and that Labour is trying to ignore the issue.
Fact-Check: Do the Numbers Add Up?
Ratcliffe’s argument relied heavily on specific population statistics. However, official data contradicts his claims.
- Population Growth: Ratcliffe claimed the UK population was 58 million in 2020. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the population in mid-2020 was actually 66.7 million.
- Current Figures: The ONS estimates the mid-2025 population at 69.4 million.
- The Reality: Rather than the 12 million increase Ratcliffe cited, the population has grown by approximately 2.7 million over that five-year period.
Context: The Monaco Connection
Critics, including the 1958 Group of United supporters, were quick to point out the irony of Ratcliffe’s comments on the UK economy. The 73-year-old billionaire officially changed his tax residence from the UK to Monaco in 2020—a jurisdiction that does not collect personal income or capital gains taxes.
As the fallout continues, neither Ineos nor Manchester United has issued a further official comment.
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