Man United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe issues apology over immigrants comments following pressure from Keir Starmer and critics - what did he say?
Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for his comments about immigrant after he was criticised by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and others.
Ratcliffe, 73, made headlines with his comments after he spoke to Sky News on Wednesday evening (February 11).
During the conversation, the INEOS CEO said: "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."
His comments sparked backlash from prominent critics, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who branded his sentiment “offensive and wrong”.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham added: “These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races and faiths have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions – including Manchester United FC.
“Calling for curbs on levels of immigration is one thing; portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force is quite another. It is inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory and should be withdrawn.
“Footballers who have arrived from all over the world to play in Greater Manchester have enhanced the life of our city-region, as have the many people working in Greater Manchester’s NHS and other essential services and industries.”
According to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the population of the UK stood at around 67 million in mis-2020, not 58 million as claimed by Mr Ratcliffe. Population numbers increased to 70 million in 2024, marking an increase of three million as opposed to the 12 million claimed by Mr Ratcliffe.
He has now issued an apology for his comments, saying in a new 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.”
A representative for Starmer has responded to the apology, saying: “The Prime Minister asked for an apology, and one’s been issued, and it’s absolutely right that Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for that language.”