Man United owner Ratcliffe sparks fury claiming UK "colonised by immigrants"

Ineos chief executive and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Lucy North/PA). Lucy North

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sparked controversy with claims that "the UK has been colonised by immigrants." The billionaire made the remarks in a Sky News interview, criticizing Britain's welfare system and immigration levels.

Ratcliffe told Sky News: «I mean, the UK is being colonised. It's costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants.» He added: «You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.»

The Ineos founder called on politicians to «do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track.» He argued: «If you really want to deal with the major issues of immigration, with people opting to take benefits rather than working for a living, if you want to deal with that, then you are going to have to do some things which are unpopular and show some courage.»

Comments on Political Leaders

Ratcliffe described Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as «maybe too nice» for the task ahead. «It's a tough job, and I think you have to do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track,» he said.

On Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Ratcliffe called him an «intelligent man» with «good intentions.» He added: «But in a way, you could say exactly the same about Keir when Keir came in.» Ratcliffe concluded: «I think it needs somebody who's prepared to be unpopular for a period of time to get the big issues sorted out.»

Manchester United Ownership

Ratcliffe bought a minority share in Manchester United in late 2023, with his Ineos group taking control of the club's football operations. His tenure has been marked by contentious changes, including ticket pricing and availability decisions that angered fans.

A protest against the club's owners, including Ratcliffe and the Glazers, took place before Manchester United's recent home game against Fulham.

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).