Sir Jim Ratcliffe Says Sorry for Immigration Remarks

Businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe has said he is sorry if his words about immigration offended people. He made the comments at a meeting in Belgium. Many people, including politicians and groups, have spoken out about what he said.
By Newsroom | UK News, Business |

Businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe has stated he is "sorry that my choice of language has offended some people" following public outcry over comments he made regarding immigration and the UK. Ratcliffe's remarks, made at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, suggested the UK had been "colonised" by immigrants.

The statement comes amid significant criticism from political figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and various groups, including football associations and anti-racism charities. Ratcliffe, however, maintains the importance of discussing "controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth."

Jim Ratcliffe sorry his ‘choice of language offended some people’ after saying UK colonised by immigrants – politics live - 1

Context of Remarks and Reactions

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the founder of INEOS and co-owner of Manchester United, made his controversial remarks about immigration during an interview with Sky News on the fringes of the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, Belgium. He was reportedly discussing UK policy, economic growth, jobs, skills, and manufacturing.

Read More: Sir Jim Ratcliffe Says Sorry for Immigration Words

Jim Ratcliffe sorry his ‘choice of language offended some people’ after saying UK colonised by immigrants – politics live - 2

  • Key Statements by Ratcliffe:

  • "I mean, the UK has been colonised."

  • "You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in."

  • Ratcliffe also referenced a population increase in the UK, stating "The population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, now it’s 70 million. That’s 12 million people."

  • He met with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, describing him as an "intelligent man" with "good intentions."

  • Timeline of Events:

  • Recent Past (prior to Feb 2026): Ratcliffe's business interests have diversified, including a discontinued vehicle project and the acquisition of Belstaff. He moved to Monaco in 2020, a move noted as tax-free.

  • Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026: Ratcliffe's comments to Sky News are reported.

  • Wednesday Evening/Thursday Morning: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemns the remarks as "offensive and wrong" and calls for an apology.

  • Thursday, Feb 12, 2026: Ratcliffe issues a 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." Other government ministers echo the Prime Minister's condemnation. The Football Association (FA) states it will "look into" the remarks. Various groups, including the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust and anti-racism charities, release statements.

Evidence and Reactions

  • Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 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."

  • Political Condemnation:

  • Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer: Described the remarks as "offensive and wrong." He stated, "Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. His offensive remarks are wrong and play into the hands of those who want to divide our country."

  • Justice Minister Jake Richards: Stated, "There’s also something that I find quite offensive, that this man who moved to Monaco to save four billion pounds in tax is now lecturing us about immigration." He also questioned Ratcliffe's patriotism and suggested he got his facts wrong.

  • Support for Ratcliffe's Stance (on the issue, not necessarily language):

  • Former Tory Prime Minister Liz Truss: Expressed support for Ratcliffe's comments.

  • Nigel Farage (Reform UK leader): Posted in support of Ratcliffe.

  • Criticism from Football Community:

  • Manchester United Supporters’ Trust: Stated, "Comments from the club’s senior leadership should make inclusion easier, not harder." They also criticised the divisive nature of the comments.

  • Kick It Out (Anti-racism Charity): Called the remarks "disgraceful."

  • Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club: Accused Ratcliffe of fuelling hate speech and risking legitimising prejudice.

  • Statistical Discrepancy: Figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate Ratcliffe's claim about a population increase of 12 million in recent years is incorrect.

Questioning Ratcliffe's Position

Hypocrisy Allegations

Ministers have accused Sir Jim Ratcliffe of hypocrisy, particularly in light of his relocation to Monaco to avoid taxes. Justice minister Jake Richards commented, "One might question whether he is the patriot we need to comment on this issue." The suggestion is that a prominent businessman who has restructured his financial arrangements to reduce his tax burden in the UK may not be the most appropriate voice to lecture on national policy.

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Business Practices and Public Image

Ratcliffe's recent changes at Manchester United, including layoffs and managerial changes, have been compared to his views on leadership and dealing with difficult issues. His approach at the football club, where he has acknowledged being "very unpopular" due to his changes, mirrors his assertion that a prime minister needs to be "prepared to be unpopular… to get the big issues sorted." However, this self-comparison has drawn scrutiny, particularly from football fans and supporter groups who feel his language alienates the diverse fanbase of Manchester United.

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Expert and Public Analysis

  • Professor of Politics (Unattributed): "The comments touch on sensitive issues of national identity and integration. While Ratcliffe frames it as a debate on economic policy, the language used evokes strong reactions and is seen by many as divisive."

  • TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak: "We stand with all communities who reject racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and hatred in all its forms, and we call for leadership that unites rather than divides."

  • Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham: Criticised the remarks, noting the region's welcoming nature and stating that "People have always come here for opportunity, safety and community."

  • Football Fans: Some Manchester United fans have labelled Ratcliffe an "embarrassment," with concerns raised about his impact on the club's global image and inclusivity.

Conclusion and Implications

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's remarks about the UK being "colonised by immigrants" have precipitated a significant backlash. While he has issued an apology stating he is "sorry that my choice of language has offended some people," he has simultaneously reiterated the necessity of discussing controlled immigration for economic growth.

Read More: Sir Jim Ratcliffe Called Hypocrite for Immigration Comments

  • Immediate Consequences:

  • Calls for a stronger, more direct apology are ongoing from political leaders.

  • The Football Association is reviewing the comments, potentially impacting Ratcliffe's standing within English football.

  • Criticism extends beyond politics to football fan groups and anti-racism organisations, highlighting the broad societal concern.

  • Broader Implications:

  • The incident underscores the highly sensitive nature of immigration discourse in the UK.

  • Ratcliffe's position as a prominent businessman and a co-owner of Manchester United amplifies the impact of his statements.

  • The focus on his tax arrangements while commenting on national issues raises questions about his perceived authority and credibility on such matters.

  • The differing responses, from condemnation to some support for the underlying policy discussion, reveal divisions in how these issues are perceived.

The situation indicates a continued tension between the desire for open debate on immigration and the language used to conduct such discussions, particularly when voiced by public figures.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Sir Jim Ratcliffe say about immigration?
He said that the UK had been "colonised" by immigrants and questioned the number of people on benefits.
Q: Why are people upset?
Many politicians and groups found his words offensive and wrong. They said his comments were divisive.
Q: Did he apologise?
Yes, he said he was sorry that his choice of words offended some people.
Q: What does he still believe?
He still thinks it is important to talk about having immigration that is controlled and helps the economy grow.
Q: Is his population number correct?
No, official numbers show his claim about a 12 million increase is not correct.