Keir Starmer Demands Apology From Sir Jim Ratcliffe After Immigration Colonised Remark Sparks Political Firestorm Across the United Kingdom

The war of words between Downing Street and one of Britain’s richest businessmen exploded overnight after Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed the UK had effectively been “colonised by immigrants.”

Within hours, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hit back, branding the comment “offensive and wrong” and demanding an immediate apology.

Posting on X, the Prime Minister did not mince his words.

Britain, he said, is “a proud, tolerant and diverse country.”

Number 10 doubled down, accusing the INEOS boss of fuelling division at a tense political moment.

It is rare to see a sitting Prime Minister publicly rebuke a corporate heavyweight in such blunt terms.

But this is no ordinary week in Westminster.

What Ratcliffe Actually Said

In a wide-ranging interview with Sky News, the 73-year-old Manchester United co-owner turned his attention from football to politics and economics.

He argued that Britain cannot sustain “nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.”

Then came the remark that detonated the row.

“I mean, the UK has been colonised by immigrants really, hasn’t it? It’s costing too much money,” he said, pointing to what he claimed was a sharp rise in population.

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics estimate the UK population reached around 70 million in mid-2024 — up roughly three million compared with 2020, not the 12 million increase Ratcliffe suggested.

Net migration has indeed been historically high in recent years, peaking at over 700,000 in 2022 before falling back.

Still, his phrasing — “colonised” — struck a nerve across the political spectrum.

Starmer Under Pressure — And Pushing Back

For Sir Keir, the clash comes at a bruising time.

Just 18 months into office, he has endured resignations, scandal and mounting criticism over migration numbers.

Since Labour’s election victory in July 2024, more than 65,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats — surpassing totals recorded under some previous prime ministers over comparable periods.

One of Starmer’s first acts in power was scrapping the Conservative government’s controversial Rwanda deportation scheme, which had been designed to deter small boat crossings by relocating asylum seekers to East Africa.

Labour instead promised closer cooperation with France, including a proposed “one in, one out” returns agreement — though crossings have continued.

Opposition leaders have accused him of losing control of the situation.

Even within Labour, murmurs of discontent have surfaced.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar publicly urged him earlier this week to step aside — a dramatic intervention from within his own ranks.

But at a meeting with Labour MPs, Starmer made clear he is not going anywhere.

He also secured visible backing from Deputy PM Angela Rayner, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Against that backdrop, Ratcliffe’s criticism landed like petrol on a smouldering fire.

Ratcliffe Questions Starmer’s Leadership

The billionaire did not stop at immigration. He also cast doubt on whether Starmer is tough enough for the top job.

“I like him,” Ratcliffe said. “But it’s a tough job… I think you have to do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track.”

He even suggested the Prime Minister might be “too nice” to make hard decisions — a line that will likely sting more than the population figures debate.

Interestingly, Ratcliffe revealed he has met Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, describing him as “an intelligent man” with “good intentions.”

Still, he added that both Farage and Starmer could be seen as well-meaning — but what the country needs, in his view, is someone willing to be unpopular to fix structural problems.

That comment will inevitably fuel speculation about where Ratcliffe’s political sympathies lie.

The Billionaire in the Spotlight

Ratcliffe is no stranger to controversy.

Worth an estimated £17 billion according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List, he is one of Britain’s wealthiest individuals.

Yet his fortune reportedly dropped by around £6 billion over the past year, amid heavy investment and operational costs — including his stake in Manchester United, acquired in December 2023.

He has admitted he is “very unpopular” with some United fans after making sweeping changes at the club.

His INEOS group also owns French side Nice, adding to his growing football empire.

His blunt speaking style, once largely confined to business circles, is now colliding directly with national politics.

A Government Already Rocked by Scandal

The immigration row is only one headache for Starmer.

His administration has been shaken by the resignation of Lord Peter Mandelson following controversy, alongside departures from senior Downing Street figures including chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications director Tim Allen.

Fresh scrutiny surrounds the peerage granted to Lord Matthew Doyle, amid questions about his past support for a councillor later convicted of child image offences.

Doyle has apologised for backing the councillor before the case concluded and insists his later contact was “extremely limited.”

The SNP has objected to his elevation to the House of Lords, and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has demanded publication of vetting advice.

Downing Street maintains it was unaware of relevant issues at the time the peerage was confirmed.

The cumulative effect has been to chip away at Starmer’s political capital just as economic pressures and migration debates intensify.

The Bigger Immigration Debate

Behind the political theatre lies a deeper issue: Britain’s struggle to balance economic demand for workers with public concern over border control.

Post-Brexit immigration policy has shifted dramatically.

EU free movement ended, but visa routes expanded for healthcare, social care and skilled workers.

Meanwhile, small boat crossings have become a potent symbol in political messaging — far outweighing their proportion of overall migration figures.

Critics argue high migration strains housing, public services and welfare budgets.

Supporters counter that migrants contribute billions in tax revenue, help fill labour shortages and underpin sectors from the NHS to agriculture.

Ratcliffe’s remarks tap into that frustration — but his wording has triggered backlash from those who see it as inflammatory.

What’s Next?

Pressure is now squarely on Ratcliffe. Downing Street has demanded an apology.

Whether he offers one — or doubles down — could determine how long this row dominates headlines.

For Starmer, the challenge is twofold: defend Britain’s diversity while convincing voters he can regain control of migration numbers.

With small boat arrivals continuing and political opponents circling, he faces a test of authority.

If crossings remain high and internal party tensions resurface, critics will argue that rhetoric alone is not enough.

On the other hand, a tangible drop in arrivals or visible progress on a France returns deal could steady the ship.

Meanwhile, the clash underscores a broader reality: in today’s Britain, business leaders are no longer staying in their lane — and prime ministers are increasingly prepared to call them out.

Summary

Sir Keir Starmer has demanded an apology from billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe after the Manchester United co-owner claimed the UK had been “colonised by immigrants.”

Ratcliffe also questioned whether the Prime Minister is tough enough to lead the country, citing concerns over welfare and economic performance.

The row comes as Starmer faces mounting political pressure over migration levels and internal party controversies.

With more than 65,000 small boat crossings recorded since Labour took office, immigration remains a defining issue of his premiership.

Whether Ratcliffe retracts his remarks — and whether Starmer can translate strong words into effective migration policy — may shape the political landscape in the months ahead.