Jim Ratcliffe's Immigration Comments Spark Outrage

Manchester United co-owner's 'colonised' remark condemned

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemns Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe's 'colonised by immigrants' comment, amid debate on immigration and UK politics.

“Public discourse shapes public behaviour...” 

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has slammed billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's comments that the country has been “colonised by immigrants,” calling them “offensive and wrong.” Ratcliffe, who owns nearly a third of Manchester United and founded INEOS, made the remarks in a Sky News interview, citing concerns about high migration and benefits claims.

Ratcliffe apologized for his “choice of language,” saying he wanted to highlight the need for controlled immigration that supports economic growth. However, his comments drew widespread criticism, including from anti-racism group Kick It Out, which described them as “disgraceful and deeply divisive.”

“You can't have an economy with nine million people ‌on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, ‌the UK has been colonised - it's costing too much money,” Ratcliffe said in an interview aired on Wednesday.

“The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it?”

Manchester United Fan Groups Urge Jim Ratcliffe to Apologize Over 'Colonised' Comments

Manchester United fan groups, including the Muslim Supporters Club, are calling on co-owner Jim Ratcliffe to apologize for his comments claiming the UK has been "colonised by immigrants". The groups condemn Ratcliffe's language, saying it echoes far-right narratives that frame migrants as invaders. The Manchester United Supporters' Trust also expressed concern, stating that senior leadership comments should promote inclusion, not exclusion.

“Public discourse shapes public behaviour,” the group said. “When influential figures adopt language that mirrors extremist talking points, it risks legitimising prejudice and deepening division.”

Manchester United fan groups and UK politicians are up in arms over comments made by the club's co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, who said the UK has been “colonised by immigrants.” Ratcliffe, who's also the founder of INEOS, made the remarks in a Sky News interview, sparking widespread criticism. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the comments, calling them “offensive and wrong,” and demanded an apology.

Manchester United part-owner has told @EdConwaySky the UK has been "colonised" by immigrants, who are draining resources from the state, as he warns of the country facing profound political, social and economic challenges.

🔗 https://t.co/bie6uFZ1Tp pic.twitter.com/qFpiO0HkfO

— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 11, 2026

Critics point out the irony of Ratcliffe's comments, given Manchester United's diverse squad and his own tax residency in Monaco. The Manchester United Supporters' Trust and anti-racism group Kick It Out slammed Ratcliffe's language, saying it echoes far-right narratives. Ratcliffe has since apologized for his “choice of language,” but maintained that controlled immigration is necessary for economic growth.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has slammed Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe's comments on immigration, calling them “inflammatory” and demanding they be withdrawn. Burnham emphasized that Manchester is a city built by people of all races and faiths, and Ratcliffe's words go against its values.

Ratcliffe's remarks have sparked a heated debate, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemning them as “offensive and wrong.” The controversy highlights the sensitive nature of immigration in Britain, a topic that's consistently ranked among top voter concerns and has fueled the rise of right-wing populist parties like Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage.

The rhetoric around immigration has indeed become more divisive in recent years, with a surge in protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers. Last summer's wave of protests was particularly intense, with widespread rioting in 2024 sparked by false information circulating online about a teenager who killed three young girls, allegedly an Islamist migrant.

These incidents highlight the dangers of misinformation and its potential to fuel anti-immigrant sentiment. The UK government has been grappling with asylum reforms, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stating that the current system is “not working” and placing strain on communities.

Sky News fact-checked Jim Ratcliffe's claims, finding he cited incorrect figures to support his argument on immigration. Ratcliffe stated the UK population grew from 58 million to 70 million since 2020, but the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates the population was actually around 67 million in mid-2020 and 69 million in mid-2024.

The ONS figures suggest Ratcliffe's numbers were inaccurate, sparking criticism of his argument. This isn't the first time immigration stats have been debated, highlighting the need for accurate info in these discussions.

Offensive and wrong.

Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country.

Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.https://t.co/7mSnVV33oo

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 11, 2026

Nigel Farage responded to Jim Ratcliffe's comments, saying Britain has undergone mass immigration that has changed many areas' character. “Labour may try to ignore that but Reform won't,” he said, highlighting the issue's importance in UK politics.

Read Also: Man Utd's Ratcliffe: 'Difficult Decisions Needed'

Farage's Reform UK party has capitalized on immigration concerns, with the topic consistently ranking high among voter worries. The debate around immigration continues to shape UK politics, with varying perspectives on its impact.