Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Manchester United co-owner, has said he is “sorry that my choice of language has offended some people” after claiming the UK has been “colonised by immigrants” in an inflammatory interview on Wednesday.
Ratcliffe has faced condemnation from the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who described the remarks as “offensive and wrong” and called for the billionaire to apologise.
In a statement, released on the website of his petrochemicals company INEOS, Ratcliffe stopped short of a full apology and stood by the spirit of his comments.
“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,” his statement read.
“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.”
In an interview with Sky News, Ratcliffe, who has resided in Monaco — a tax haven — since 2020, made multiple inflammatory and inaccurate observations about the UK’s immigrant population.
“You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,” he said.
“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.”
The UK’s Office for National Statistics estimated that the UK population was 69.5 million in November 2025, compared to 67.1 million in 2020. The ONS also estimated that the UK’s long-term net migration was 204,000 from 2024 to 2025.
According to a House of Commons research briefing from January there were 1.68 million people, as of December 2025, claiming unemployment-related benefits in the UK.
Ratcliffe’s comments faced criticism from politicians, United supporter groups and equality organisations. The Athletic reported on Thursday The Football Association (FA) is looking into whether the comments constitute a breach of its rules.
Starmer and Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrat party, both called on Ratcliffe to apologise, while Greater Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, said the comments “go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races, faiths and none have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United FC”.
A statement from Manchester United on Thursday appeared to be published in response to Ratcliffe’s comments but did not refer to him by name or make specific mention of the comments themselves.
“Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club. Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters, reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home,” it read.
“Manchester United reflects the unity and resilience of all the communities we are so privileged to represent,” it continued before the club pledged to “continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride.”
The Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club said it was “deeply concerned” by Ratcliffe’s remarks and warned that the language he used echoes “language frequently used in far-right narratives that frame migrants as invaders and demographic threats.”
The group cited increased hate crime figures against Muslim and Jewish communities, and warned that the use of “extremist talking points” could legitimise “prejudice and deepen division.”
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust also condemned Ratcliffe’s comments, saying: “Manchester United belongs to all of its supporters. No fan should feel excluded from following or supporting the club because of their race, religion, nationality or background. Comments from the club’s senior leadership should make inclusion easier, not harder.
“This is not about politics; it is about ensuring that the custodians of Manchester United act in a way that unites supporters rather than marginalising any part of our fanbase.”