Man United's co-owner Jim Ratcliffe apologises for 'Immigrants have colonised UK' comment

Manchester United minority co-owner and INEOS founder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has apologised after igniting a political and public relations firestorm during an interview. 

Discussing the UK economy, Ratcliffe stated, "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 attempted to support his claim with inaccurate demographic statistics, wrongly asserting the UK population had jumped from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million today (the 2020 figure was actually around 67 million), according to Sky News.

The backlash was swift and severe. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the remarks as "offensive and wrong" and demanded an apology, while Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham labelled the comments "inaccurate, insulting, and inflammatory.” 

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out also released a statement calling his language "disgraceful and deeply divisive.” The Red Devils' diverse fanbase has also let their opinion be known via social media, criticising Ratcliffe’s ‘xenophobic’ comments.

The intense public outrage reportedly forced Ratcliffe to privately contact the Glazer family to apologise for the immense damage inflicted on Manchester United's reputation, according to Goal. 

The Glazers were reportedly deeply concerned that Ratcliffe's rhetoric would not only alienate their diverse global fanbase but also severely damage relationships with lucrative commercial sponsors. 

Crucially, the club's ownership feared the fallout could sour relations with the city council, after Burnham's retort, and jeopardise their proposed £1 billion new stadium project. 

Following the immense pressure, Ratcliffe issued a public statement: "I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.”

“My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.

"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. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK."