Sir Jim Ratcliffe Claims UK 'Colonised' by Immigrants Amid Economic Turmoil
In a bombshell interview that's set to ignite fierce debate across Britain, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire founder of chemicals giant INEOS and co-owner of Manchester United, has declared that the UK has been 'colonised' by immigrants. Speaking to Sky News economics editor Ed Conway on the sidelines of the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, Ratcliffe didn't hold back on his concerns about the nation's spiralling immigration levels, welfare dependency, and broader economic woes.
Ratcliffe's Stark Warning on Immigration
Sir Jim, a prominent figure in British industry and sport, painted a grim picture of the UK's demographic shifts. 'The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it?' he stated bluntly. He pointed to the population explosion, noting that the figure stood at 58 million in 2020 and has now reached 70 million – an increase of 12 million people in just a few years. Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) supports this trend, estimating the mid-2020 population at 67 million and mid-2024 at 70 million, with the UK total hitting around 58.9 million back in 2000.
Ratcliffe argued that this unprecedented influx is straining public resources to breaking point. 'You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,' he said. 'It's costing too much money.' His comments come at a time when net migration to the UK hit record highs in recent years, with legal and illegal entries contributing to debates over housing shortages, NHS pressures, and infrastructure overload. While Ratcliffe's language – evoking 'colonisation' – has drawn immediate backlash for its provocative tone, it underscores a growing frustration among some business leaders about the sustainability of current policies.
The Economic Drain and Benefits Culture
Diving deeper into the economic implications, Ratcliffe highlighted how high immigration combined with a benefits system that's seen nine million claimants is undermining productivity. He criticised what he called a culture where 'people opt to take benefits rather than working for a living,' suggesting that without reform, Britain's competitiveness will erode further. This view aligns with ongoing discussions in Westminster about tightening welfare rules and overhauling the points-based immigration system, especially after recent government announcements on visa changes.
As a Monaco resident and one of the UK's wealthiest individuals, Ratcliffe's perspective carries weight in boardrooms and beyond. His INEOS empire, a powerhouse in petrochemicals, has faced its own headwinds from European market turbulence, including plant closures and energy cost spikes. At the Antwerp summit, where European leaders like France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Friedrich Merz gathered with industrialists, Ratcliffe warned of 'unsurvivable conditions' plaguing the chemicals sector – a microcosm of wider continental struggles.
Political Critique: Starmer, Farage, and the Need for Bold Leadership
Ratcliffe didn't spare the politicians either. On Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he expressed mild personal affection but questioned his suitability for the role. 'I don't know whether it's just the apparatus that hasn't allowed Keir to do it or he's maybe too nice – I mean, Keir is a nice man. I like him, but it's a tough job,' Ratcliffe remarked. He implied Starmer lacks the ruthlessness needed to tackle 'profound political, social, and economic challenges,' adding that the economy is currently in a 'not good state.'
In a surprising revelation, Ratcliffe disclosed a recent meeting with Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform party. 'I think Nigel is an intelligent man, and I think he's got good intentions,' he said, drawing parallels to Starmer's well-meaning but potentially ineffective approach. Both men, in Ratcliffe's view, embody good intentions, but Britain needs someone 'prepared to be unpopular for a period of time to get the big issues sorted out.' This call for courageous, if divisive, decision-making echoes the anti-establishment sentiments that propelled Farage's rise and could fuel Reform's momentum ahead of future elections.
Lessons from Manchester United
To illustrate his point, Ratcliffe turned to his high-profile role at Manchester United, where he acquired a 27.7% stake in late 2023. The club has undergone sweeping changes under his influence, including the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim and a broader restructuring aimed at long-term stability. 'I've been very unpopular at Manchester United because we've made lots of changes,' he admitted. 'But for the better, in my view. And I think we're beginning to see some evidence that that's beginning to pay off.'
Ratcliffe drew a direct analogy to national governance: just as United's fans and stakeholders initially resisted reforms, the British public might bristle at tough measures on immigration and benefits. Yet, he argued, such steps are essential. 'If you really want to deal with the major issues... then you're going to have to do some things which are unpopular, and show some courage.' This football-to-politics parallel adds a relatable layer to his commentary, resonating with sports fans while underscoring his belief in decisive action.
Broader Implications for Britain and Europe
Ratcliffe's intervention arrives amid a perfect storm for the UK. The post-Brexit economy grapples with sluggish growth, inflation bites, and the chemicals industry – once a pride of British manufacturing – faces existential threats. His comments on the Antwerp summit highlight Europe's shared vulnerabilities: from silent factory shutdowns to the 'final nail in the coffin' for legacy sectors. Back home, festive boosts like those at INEOS's Grangemouth plant offer temporary cheer, but underlying problems persist, including energy dependencies and regulatory burdens.
As debates rage over how much the UK relies on legal migration – vital for sectors like healthcare and tech – Ratcliffe's voice amplifies calls for balance. Critics may decry his 'colonised' rhetoric as inflammatory, potentially alienating immigrant communities that enrich British society. Supporters, however, see it as a wake-up call for pragmatic policy. With elections on the horizon and economic recovery paramount, Ratcliffe's words could influence discourse from Whitehall to Old Trafford.
In the end, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's interview isn't just a billionaire's rant; it's a mirror to Britain's fractured identity. Whether his vision of tough love leads to reform or division remains to be seen, but one thing's clear: the conversation on immigration and economy just got a lot louder.
