Jim Ratcliffe Faces Backlash Over “Colonisation” Claims and Accusations of Hypocrisy
Britain’s seventh-richest man, Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United, is facing widespread condemnation for remarks suggesting the UK is being “colonised” by immigrants, sparking accusations of hypocrisy and the use of far-right narratives. The controversy erupted following an interview with Sky News on Wednesday, prompting calls for an immediate apology from political leaders, football supporters, and anti-racism groups.
Political Condemnation and Calls for Apology
The comments were swiftly denounced across the political spectrum. A spokesperson for No. 10 stated that Ratcliffe “should immediately apologise,” adding that his “offensive remarks are wrong and play into the hands of those who want to divide our country.” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized that “Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer labelled Ratcliffe’s claim “offensive and wrong,” directly urging the Ineos chief executive to issue an apology. Justice Minister Jake Richards echoed the sentiment, stating that it was “offensive” for Ratcliffe, who relocated to Monaco in 2020 to reportedly save £4 billion in taxes, to now “lecture us about immigration.” Richards further argued that the language used was “completely absurd” and implied an “invasion or taken over,” which he deemed “not right at all.”
Disputed Claims and Statistical Inaccuracies
Ratcliffe, during the Sky News interview, expressed concerns about the UK’s economy, citing “9 million people on benefits” and “huge levels of immigrants.” He claimed the UK population had risen from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million, framing this as evidence of “colonisation.” However, these figures were immediately challenged by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The ONS estimated the UK population at 67 million in 2020, and hadn’t been near 58 million since 2000.
Fan Outrage and Concerns Over Manchester United Ownership
The backlash extended beyond the political arena, with significant criticism coming from Manchester United supporters. Fans labelled Ratcliffe “a total embarrassment” and “out of touch.” The supporters’ group, the 1958, criticized his comments and highlighted the perceived hypocrisy of addressing domestic issues while residing in Monaco to avoid taxation.
Existing discontent over Ratcliffe’s handling of football operations at United has been amplified. Fans have protested against both Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, accusing Ratcliffe of pricing out loyal supporters, implementing “draconian measures” on season ticket holders, and pushing for an unwanted new stadium. Some fans have even labelled him an “incompetent clown.”
Accusations of Far-Right Rhetoric and Concerns for Diversity
The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club (MUMSC) issued a strong statement, asserting that Ratcliffe had used “language frequently used in far-right narratives.” The club emphasized its commitment to diversity, stating, “Manchester United is a global club built on diversity – on players, staff and supporters from every background, faith and ethnicity.” MUMSC affirmed its stance against all forms of hatred and called for leadership that “unites rather than divides.”
The Manchester United Supporters Trust echoed this sentiment, stating that comments from club leadership should “make inclusion easier, not harder.” Kick It Out, the anti-racist football campaign group, also condemned Ratcliffe’s remarks as “disgraceful and deeply divisive,” highlighting the club’s diverse fanbase and the cultural enrichment provided by immigrants to the city of Manchester.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham accused Ratcliffe of making “inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory” comments that were “against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood.” He emphasized the city’s history of collaboration between people “of all races, faiths and none” in building its institutions, including Manchester United, and cautioned that portraying immigrants as a “hostile invading force” was unacceptable.
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