Ratcliffe's 'colonised by immigrants' remark sparks UK backlash
Ratcliffe's 'colonised by immigrants' remark sparks UK backlash
Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's claim Britain is 'colonised by immigrants' triggers cross-party condemnation and calls for an apology from the PM.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire founder of Ineos and a Manchester United co-owner, sparked a political row after telling Sky News that Britain had been 'colonised by immigrants' and suggesting the prime minister was 'too nice' to take difficult steps to stabilise the economy. The remarks were made on the fringes of the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, Belgium, and quickly drew widespread criticism from politicians and fans alike.
Keir Starmer labeled the comments offensive and wrong, urging Ratcliffe to apologise. A Downing Street spokesperson said the remarks 'play into the hands of those who want to divide our country.' Ratcliffe argued that the economy cannot function with nine million people on benefits and a large influx of immigrants, but his numbers were disputed in subsequent discussions. Official population estimates show the UK’s mid-2025 population around 69.4 million, compared with about 66.7 million in mid-2020, undermining the accuracy of some of Ratcliffe’s figures.
Reaction came from supporters and campaign groups; the Manchester United Supporters Trust stated that no fan should feel excluded by race, religion, nationality, or background, and called for leadership that promotes inclusion. The episode underscores how immigration remains a charged and polarising topic in British public life, with policy implications in both welfare and economic debates.
As the controversy unfolds, politicians on all sides are weighing in on the tone, accuracy, and potential consequences of high-profile statements about immigration, national identity, and the state of the economy.
