INEOS founder and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sparked debate on UK immigration policy and the economy, warning that rising migration and welfare dependency are placing pressure on public resources.
Speaking to Sky News, Ratcliffe said “the UK has been colonised by immigrants”, arguing that migration levels were placing financial strain on public services. He also warned that the UK “can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits”, linking welfare dependency to broader economic challenges.
Ratcliffe suggested that addressing immigration and labour market participation would require political leaders to take “unpopular” decisions, adding that difficult reforms are necessary to improve the country’s long-term economic trajectory.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer rejected the remarks, describing them as “offensive and wrong” and emphasising that Britain remains a diverse and tolerant society. Ratcliffe also suggested political leadership may need to take unpopular decisions to address structural challenges.
The comments were made during the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where leaders discussed European industrial competitiveness and pressures on the chemicals sector. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy acknowledged migration concerns while defending the economic and social contributions of immigration.
ℹ️ Sky News
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