Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has issued an apology for comments he made describing the United Kingdom as “colonised by immigrants,” a statement that drew swift and widespread condemnation from political leaders and fan groups. The apology, issued on , came after Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled Ratcliffe’s remarks as “offensive and wrong” and called for a public apology.
Ratcliffe’s original comments, made during a Sky News interview on Wednesday, centred on concerns about the UK’s economic situation and immigration levels. He stated, “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.”
In his statement, Ratcliffe expressed regret if his “choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern.” He clarified that his intention was to highlight the need for “controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.” He further explained that his remarks were made while discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills, and manufacturing at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, Belgium.
“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,” Ratcliffe said. “It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”
The controversy surrounding Ratcliffe’s comments extends beyond the political sphere. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also criticised the remarks, stating they “go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood.” Burnham emphasized the city’s history as a diverse and inclusive community, built through the contributions of people from all backgrounds. He suggested that criticism, if any, should be directed at those who have not contributed to the UK’s prosperity.
The remarks have also prompted scrutiny from within the football community. The English Football Association is reportedly examining whether Ratcliffe’s comments brought the game into disrepute, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) issued a statement condemning the comments, asserting that “no fan should feel excluded from following or supporting the club because of their race, religion, nationality or background.”
The timing of Ratcliffe’s comments is particularly sensitive, coming after his recent acquisition of a significant stake in Manchester United. His investment has been widely seen as an attempt to modernize the club and restore its former glory, but his views on immigration have now cast a shadow over his ownership. The New York Times reported that Ratcliffe is a British tax exile who has resided in Monaco since 2020.
Ratcliffe’s initial claims regarding the UK’s population growth were also found to be inaccurate. He cited a figure of 12 million people added to the population since 2020, bringing the total to 70 million. However, the Office for National Statistics estimates the UK population at to be 69.4 million, compared to 66.7 million in .
The debate over immigration in the UK is a complex and often contentious issue. While proponents of stricter immigration controls argue that it puts a strain on public services and depresses wages, others maintain that immigrants contribute significantly to the economy and enrich society. Ratcliffe’s comments have tapped into these existing tensions, sparking a national conversation about the role of immigration in the UK.
Stella Creasy, a Labour MP, rebuked Ratcliffe on X, pointing out the significant contribution of immigrant players to Manchester United’s success. She noted that the team’s starting lineup and bench would be heavily reliant on players from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the irony of Ratcliffe’s comments.
Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, echoed Starmer’s criticism, calling Ratcliffe’s remarks “totally wrong.” The widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum underscores the sensitivity of the issue and the potential for such comments to fuel division.
The fallout from Ratcliffe’s comments is likely to continue in the coming days, with further scrutiny expected from the media, political opponents, and fan groups. The incident serves as a reminder of the power of language and the importance of responsible discourse on sensitive issues such as immigration.
