Britain has been colonised by immigrants says Manchester United's co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, UK PM demands apology

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has drawn political condemnation and unease among supporters after stating in a Sky News interview that Britain had been “colonised by immigrants”, linking immigration to welfare dependency and national decline.

In the interview, which ranged from economic policy to national identity, Ratcliffe argued that high levels of immigration combined with welfare dependency were placing unsustainable pressure on the country. “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. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it? I mean, the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, now it's 70 million. That's 12 million people,” he told Sky News.

His remarks prompted criticism from political leaders, media figures and football supporter groups, while also drawing support from sections of the political spectrum.

Questions over figures and framing

The controversy intensified as Ratcliffe’s population figures were challenged. The UK population was around 58 million in 2000, not 2020. By 2020, it stood closer to 67 million, reaching approximately 70 million only in subsequent years. Critics argued that compressing long-term demographic growth into a short timeframe misrepresented the data.

His suggestion that immigrants contribute disproportionately to welfare dependency was also disputed, with data indicating that migrants are, on average, more likely to be in employment than the UK-born population.

Ratcliffe is the founder of INEOS and a minority owner of Manchester United. He resides in Monaco, a low-tax jurisdiction. While his residence is legal, critics said his comments about economic burden and public spending invited scrutiny given his tax status.

British PM condemns Ratcliffe

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the remarks as offensive and wrong, stating that Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country and that Ratcliffe should apologise.

Broadcaster Piers Morgan criticised Ratcliffe on X, questioning both his population figures and his position as a Monaco-based tax resident while owning a football club whose squad includes many foreign-born players.

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson argued that the reaction to Ratcliffe’s comments reflected selective outrage within politics and media.

Reaction from Manchester United supporters

Manchester United supporter groups also responded. The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust said such language risked alienating fans and undermining the club’s inclusive identity. The Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club stated that the rhetoric echoed language that has historically marginalised communities. Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out described the comments as divisive and inconsistent with the values football has sought to promote.

Manchester United’s history and current squad feature significant international influence, with many key players past and present born outside England. Supporters’ groups emphasised that migration has been central to the club’s development and global profile.

Ratcliffe's comment spark debate

Ratcliffe’s intervention comes amid an ongoing national debate over immigration, welfare and population growth. While critics challenged his data and language, supporters argued that concerns about immigration remain a central political issue in the UK.

The episode has highlighted tensions between public discourse on immigration and the responsibilities of prominent business and sporting figures, underscoring how the issue continues to shape Britain’s political and cultural landscape.

(With inputs from TOI)