LONDON — The co-owner of Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, issued an apology Thursday following widespread condemnation of his remarks characterizing Britain as “colonized” by immigrants. The comments, made during a Sky News interview, ignited a political firestorm and prompted calls for an apology from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of the chemical company Ineos, expressed regret that his “choice of language has offended some people in the U.K. And Europe and caused concern.” However, he maintained the importance of a discussion regarding “controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth,” according to a statement released Thursday.
The controversy unfolded against a backdrop of heightened debate surrounding immigration policy in the United Kingdom. Ratcliffe’s comments touched a nerve, particularly given the recent gains made by the Reform Party, which has adopted a more restrictive stance on immigration. The Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Starmer, secured a landslide victory in the recent election but is now facing challenges related to managing the influx of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel.
Starmer swiftly rebuked Ratcliffe’s statements, describing them as “offensive and wrong” and urging him to apologize. Downing Street echoed this sentiment, stating that the comments “play into the hands of those who want to divide our country.”
Manchester United itself responded to the backlash, issuing a statement emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, highlighting the club’s diverse player base and global community of supporters.
A History of Controversy
Ratcliffe’s remarks were not solely criticized for their content but also for what some perceived as hypocrisy. Critics pointed to his decision to establish residency in Monaco, a move widely understood to be motivated by tax considerations. Justice Minister Jake Richards questioned Ratcliffe’s credibility, noting that he had avoided an estimated £4 billion in U.K. Taxes by relocating.
During the Sky News interview, Ratcliffe outlined a series of challenges facing the U.K., including economic weakness, rising crime rates and strains on the healthcare system. He argued that addressing these issues required difficult decisions, including stricter controls on immigration and a reduction in the number of people relying on social welfare benefits.
“You can’t have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,” Ratcliffe stated. “I mean, the U.K.’s been colonized.”
The Weight of the Word ‘Colonized’
The use of the term “colonized” proved particularly contentious. Sunder Katwala, head of the think tank Britain First, explained that the word carries connotations of dominance, subjugation, and dispossession. He argued that employing such language in the context of immigration risked exacerbating tensions and framing the debate as a conflict between different groups within British society.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, also criticized Ratcliffe’s comments, emphasizing the city’s long-standing tradition of inclusivity and collaboration between people of diverse backgrounds. He argued that the remarks were inaccurate, insulting, and inflammatory.
Questionable Statistics
Ratcliffe’s claims regarding population growth were also challenged. He asserted that the U.K. Population had increased from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million, a figure that was demonstrably inaccurate. According to the Office for National Statistics, the U.K. Population was 67 million in 2020 and estimated at 69.5 million in 2025.
Anti-racism groups further highlighted the inaccuracies in Ratcliffe’s statements and emphasized the positive contributions of immigrants to British society. Kick It Out, a campaign group dedicated to fighting racism in football, noted the diversity of Manchester United’s fan base and argued that Ratcliffe’s language had no place in English football.
Investment and Discontent
Ratcliffe acquired a 25% stake in Manchester United in , investing $1.3 billion and assuming control of the club’s football operations. However, his tenure has been met with criticism from some fans, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the club’s performance and recent cost-cutting measures, including increased ticket prices.
Despite the recent unpopularity of some decisions, Ratcliffe maintained that difficult choices were necessary to restore Manchester United to its former glory, mirroring the challenges facing the country as a whole. “You’ve got all the same issues with the country, don’t you?” he said. “If you want to deal the major issues … then you’re going to have to do some things that are unpopular.”
