Jim Ratcliffe’s Controversial Comments on Immigration Spark Outrage

omidbasir- Jim Ratcliffe, a prominent petrochemicals tycoon who acquired a 27 percent stake in Manchester United in 2024 to gain control of the club’s football operations, recently expressed controversial views regarding immigration during an interview with Sky News economics editor Ed Conway.

He 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 further asserted that the UK’s population, which was approximately 58 million in 2020, has increased to around 70 million, attributing an excess of 12 million people to immigration. However, this claim contrasts with data from the Office of National Statistics, which reports the UK population as 58 million in 2000 and estimates it to be 70 million in 2024.

In his comments, Ratcliffe also criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, characterizing him as “too nice” and suggesting the need for a leader willing to make unpopular decisions to address pressing issues, particularly immigration policies. He praised Reform leader Nigel Farage for his proposals to deport illegal migrants and significantly reduce legal migration, labeling him “an intelligent man” with “good intentions.”

Acknowledging the backlash he has faced for his leadership at Manchester United, Ratcliffe noted that cost-cutting measures have resulted in over 600 redundancies. He also recounted extending Erik ten Hag’s contract in 2024, only to dismiss him four months later, and terminating sporting director Dan Ashworth’s contract shortly after, disregarding his concerns about then-coach Ruben Amorim, who was ultimately dismissed 14 months post-appointment.

“Well, I’ve been very unpopular at Manchester United because we’ve made lots of changes,” Ratcliffe remarked. “But for the better, in my view. I think we’re beginning to see some evidence that those changes are paying off. However, similar to the issues facing the country, tackling major problems like immigration and the welfare dependency requires unpopular decisions and courage.”

Starmer promptly responded to Ratcliffe’s remarks, labeling them as “offensive and wrong,” and emphasized Britain’s identity as a proud, tolerant, and diverse nation, calling for an apology from Ratcliffe.

Farage countered Starmer’s comments, stating, “Britain has undergone unprecedented mass immigration that has changed the character of many areas in our country. Labour may try to ignore that, but Reform won’t.”

Ratcliffe’s interview provoked criticism not only from political figures but also from Manchester United supporter group The 1958, which has conducted protests against him, particularly regarding ticket price increases and the Glazer family’s ownership. They described his comments as “ill-advised,” emphasizing that living in Monaco to avoid taxes while commenting on national issues is hypocritical.

The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club expressed deep concern over Ratcliffe’s language, claiming that the term ‘colonised’ resonates with far-right rhetoric framing migrants as invaders. They highlighted that such language contributes to the rise in hate crimes and undermines the club’s commitment to diversity.

Anti-racism charity Kick It Out condemned Ratcliffe’s remarks as “disgraceful and deeply divisive,” especially at a time when football serves to unite communities. They reminded him that Manchester United has a diverse fan base and is situated in a city enriched by its immigrant history, arguing that such divisive language has no place in English football.