Jim Ratcliffe Apologises After ‘Colonised by Immigrants’ Comment Sparks Backlash

British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe has apologised after saying the United Kingdom had been colonised by immigrants, comments that drew sharp criticism from senior government figures and community groups.

Ratcliffe, founder of chemicals group Ineos and a major shareholder in Manchester United, made the remarks during a television interview in which he argued that high levels of migration and welfare dependency were harming the economy. He said the country had experienced huge levels of immigration and questioned whether such trends were financially sustainable.

The comments prompted an immediate political response. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the language was wrong and warned that such rhetoric risked undermining social cohesion. Chancellor Rachel Reeves described the remarks as unacceptable and said they could fuel division at a time when immigration remains a sensitive issue in public debate.

In a statement issued through Ineos, Ratcliffe said he was sorry that his choice of words had offended people in the UK and Europe and caused concern. He maintained that it was important to raise questions about controlled and well managed immigration that supports economic growth. He added that governments must balance migration with investment in skills, industry and employment to ensure long term prosperity is shared more widely.

Downing Street welcomed the apology, with the prime minister’s spokesperson saying it was right for Ratcliffe to clarify his position. However, criticism continued from some quarters, including local leaders and supporters associated with Manchester United.

The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club said the term colonised is frequently used by far right activists to portray migrants as invaders. The group said public discourse shapes public behaviour and that language echoing extremist narratives risks deepening division. Manchester United responded separately, saying it prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming, reflecting the diversity of Manchester as a city.

The episode has intensified discussion around immigration, which consistently ranks among the top concerns for voters in opinion polls. The issue has also been central to the rise of Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, who has campaigned on promises to reduce migration.

Ratcliffe’s interview also attracted attention for citing population figures that were later challenged. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows the UK population was about 67 million in mid 2020 and around 69 million in mid 2024. The population was approximately 59 million in 2000.

The debate comes amid broader tensions over migration policy and social integration, with recent years seeing protests linked to asylum accommodation and misinformation circulating online. Ratcliffe’s apology appears aimed at calming the controversy while continuing to argue that immigration policy should be openly debated in economic terms.