Sir Jim Ratcliffe Says UK ‘Has Been Colonised by Immigrants’ in Candid Interview
Manchester United co-owner’s remarks on immigration ignite political debate as business leader calls for tighter border controls
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire industrialist and co-owner of Manchester United, has sparked political controversy after saying in an interview that the United Kingdom “has been colonised by immigrants,” comments that have quickly drawn reaction across the political spectrum.
Ratcliffe, founder of chemicals group Ineos and one of Britain’s wealthiest individuals, made the remarks while discussing immigration policy and its impact on national identity and economic pressures.
He argued that the scale of inward migration in recent years had fundamentally altered communities and placed strain on public services, calling for what he described as a more controlled and strategic approach to border management.
The comments come against the backdrop of sustained political debate in Britain over migration levels.
Although official statistics show net migration has declined from its post-pandemic peak, it remains historically elevated, and immigration continues to feature prominently in public discourse and electoral campaigning.
Ratcliffe suggested that successive governments had failed to address the issue decisively, adding that clearer limits and stronger enforcement were needed.
His intervention has drawn criticism from some opposition politicians and community leaders, who argue that the language risks inflaming tensions and oversimplifying a complex policy area.
Others have defended his right to express concern about migration trends, noting that business leaders are increasingly vocal on matters of national policy.
Ratcliffe has previously commented on taxation, industrial policy and the investment climate in Britain, positioning himself as a proponent of competitiveness and economic reform.
His latest remarks extend that public engagement into the sensitive arena of immigration, an issue that has shaped British politics since the Brexit referendum and continues to influence voter priorities.
Manchester United has not issued a formal statement regarding Ratcliffe’s comments, which were made in his capacity as a private citizen rather than as a representative of the club.
The episode underscores how prominent figures in sport and business can quickly become central to national political debates when weighing in on issues that resonate widely with the public.
Ratcliffe, founder of chemicals group Ineos and one of Britain’s wealthiest individuals, made the remarks while discussing immigration policy and its impact on national identity and economic pressures.
He argued that the scale of inward migration in recent years had fundamentally altered communities and placed strain on public services, calling for what he described as a more controlled and strategic approach to border management.
The comments come against the backdrop of sustained political debate in Britain over migration levels.
Although official statistics show net migration has declined from its post-pandemic peak, it remains historically elevated, and immigration continues to feature prominently in public discourse and electoral campaigning.
Ratcliffe suggested that successive governments had failed to address the issue decisively, adding that clearer limits and stronger enforcement were needed.
His intervention has drawn criticism from some opposition politicians and community leaders, who argue that the language risks inflaming tensions and oversimplifying a complex policy area.
Others have defended his right to express concern about migration trends, noting that business leaders are increasingly vocal on matters of national policy.
Ratcliffe has previously commented on taxation, industrial policy and the investment climate in Britain, positioning himself as a proponent of competitiveness and economic reform.
His latest remarks extend that public engagement into the sensitive arena of immigration, an issue that has shaped British politics since the Brexit referendum and continues to influence voter priorities.
Manchester United has not issued a formal statement regarding Ratcliffe’s comments, which were made in his capacity as a private citizen rather than as a representative of the club.
The episode underscores how prominent figures in sport and business can quickly become central to national political debates when weighing in on issues that resonate widely with the public.
