UK PM Tells Man Utd Co-Owner to Apologise Over Immigration Remarks

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe to apologise after he claimed the UK has been “colonised by immigrants”, describing the remarks as “offensive and wrong”.

Ratcliffe made the comments during a Sky News interview, suggesting that “huge levels of immigration” had harmed the UK economy.

“You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,” the Monaco-based businessman said.

“I mean, the UK has been colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?”

He also cited incorrect figures, claiming the UK population had risen from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million.

In reality, Office for National Statistics (ONS) data show the population was around 67 million in mid-2020 and just under 70 million in mid-2024.

The population actually surpassed 58 million between 1994 and 1995.

Within hours of the interview, Starmer responded on X, saying, “Offensive and wrong. Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.”

A Downing Street spokesman added that Ratcliffe’s remarks “play into the hands of those who want to divide our country”.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

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