LONDON — Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United and founder of chemical giant Ineos, has issued a public apology following widespread condemnation of his inflammatory remarks about immigration in the United Kingdom. The controversy erupted after an interview with Sky News in which Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s wealthiest individuals, claimed the nation had been “colonized” by immigrants and expressed concerns about economic challenges linked to immigration and welfare.
The comments drew immediate and sharp criticism from across the political spectrum, including from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who labeled the statements as “offensive and wrong.” The remarks also sparked significant backlash from football fans and the public, putting the prominent businessman under intense scrutiny.
In a statement released on Thursday, Ratcliffe expressed regret for his choice of language. “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the U.K. and Europe,” he stated, though he stopped short of retracting the substance of his economic arguments. The apology comes amid heightened sensitivity around immigration discourse in British politics and society.
The incident has highlighted the complex intersection of business, sports ownership, and political commentary, particularly given Ratcliffe’s status as a influential figure with considerable platform. The billionaire, who resides in the tax haven of Monaco, made the comments during a wide-ranging discussion that also covered challenges facing the European chemicals industry and weaknesses in the UK economy.