Sir Jim Ratcliffe Warns UK is 'Colonised' by Immigrants, Draining State Resources
In a provocative interview with Sky News, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire founder of INEOS and co-owner of Manchester United, has declared that the United Kingdom has been 'colonised' by immigrants, who are placing an unsustainable burden on the nation's finances. Speaking to economics editor Ed Conway, Ratcliffe highlighted what he described as profound political, social, and economic challenges facing Britain, with a sharp focus on the surge in immigration in recent years.
Immigration and Economic Strain: A Dire Assessment
Ratcliffe argued that the combination of high immigration levels and a large benefits-dependent population is crippling the UK economy. 'You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,' he stated. 'I mean, the UK has been colonised. It's costing too much money.' He pointed to population growth as evidence, noting that the UK's population has risen from approximately 58 million in 2000 to around 70 million in 2024, according to Office for National Statistics estimates, which he interprets as a 12-million increase since 2020.
Critique of Political Leadership and Calls for Tough Action
The industrialist expressed doubts about Prime Minister Keir Starmer's capacity to address these issues effectively. 'I don't know whether it's just the apparatus that hasn't allowed Keir to do it or he's maybe too nice,' Ratcliffe remarked, adding that while he likes Starmer personally, the role requires making unpopular decisions to revive the economy. He suggested that the country needs a leader willing to face short-term unpopularity to resolve major problems like immigration and welfare dependency.
Ratcliffe also revealed a recent meeting with Reform leader Nigel Farage, whom he described as intelligent and well-intentioned, but drew parallels to Starmer in terms of intentions. He emphasized that tackling such challenges demands courage and unpopular measures, drawing from his experiences at Manchester United, where he faced backlash for implementing necessary changes that he believes are now yielding positive results.
Broader Economic Context and European Industry Concerns
The interview took place on the sidelines of the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where leaders from major economies, including France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Friedrich Merz, convened with industrialists to discuss economic strategies. Ratcliffe warned that the European chemicals sector is facing 'unsurvivable conditions', citing a wave of closures as indicative of broader industrial decline. This backdrop underscores his concerns about the UK's economic health and the urgent need for decisive policy actions.
In summary, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments spark a heated debate on immigration, economic management, and leadership in the UK, urging a tough stance to steer the nation back on track amidst growing challenges.
