UK colonised by immigrants, says Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe

Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe. File Picture: PA

British prime minister Keir Starmer has said that Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe should apologise for saying that the “UK has been colonised by immigrants” and said the billionaire's comments were "offensive and wrong".

In an interview with Sky News on Wednesday, the billionaire, who is founder and chairman of one of the world’s largest chemical companies, Ineos 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.” 

He added: “If you really want to deal with the major issues of immigration, with people opting to take benefits rather than working for a living, if you want to deal with that, then you are going to have to do some things which are unpopular and show some courage.” 

In the interview, Ratcliffe said Starmer was “maybe too nice”.

He added: “It’s a tough job, and I think you have to do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track.” 

The Manchester United co-owner said Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was an “intelligent man” with “good intentions”.

He added: “But in a way, you could say exactly the same about Keir when Keir came in.

“I think it needs somebody who’s prepared to be unpopular for a period of time to get the big issues sorted out.” 

On Wednesday evening, Downing Street said Ratcliffe’s remarks “play into the hands of those who want to divide our country” and called on him to “immediately” apologise.

A No 10 spokesperson said: “Jim Ratcliffe should immediately apologise.

“His offensive remarks are wrong and play into the hands of those who want to divide our country.”

Ratcliffe bought a minority share in Manchester United in late 2023 and his Ineos group has since taken control of football operations.

The billionaire has presided over a variety of contentious changes since becoming part of the ownership, with ticket pricing and availability causing particular anger among United fans.

A protest against the club’s owners – including for the first time towards Ratcliffe as well as the Glazers – took place before Manchester United’s recent home game against Fulham.