In an interview for Sky News, billionaire Jim Ratcliffe stated that the United Kingdom is facing deep challenges due to immigration, claiming that the country has been "colonized by immigrants." Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned these comments, saying they are wrong and can divide society.
Ratcliffe, founder of INEOS and owner of one third of Manchester United, argued that the large number of people living on welfare affects the economy. Criticism of him has come from politicians, activists, and supporter groups, who pointed out that the term "colonized" is used by extremists to stigmatize immigrants.
Starmer has called for an apology from Ratcliffe, while the mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, described the comments as provocative. Immigration remains a major concern in the United Kingdom, influencing politics and generating social tensions.
Sources