Jim Ratcliffe Faces Backlash Over Immigration Comments Amid Ineos Financial Struggles
Published 12 February 2026
Highlights
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, faced criticism for comments on UK immigration, leading to an apology for his language.
- Ratcliffe's Ineos Group, a major player in the chemicals industry, has sought substantial state financial support amid industry downturns.
- Despite moving his tax residency to Monaco, Ratcliffe continues to invest in the UK, including a £1.25bn stake in Manchester United.
- The UK population has grown by 2.7 million since 2020, with net migration accounting for nearly all of this increase.
- Ratcliffe's comments on the benefits system were challenged, with official figures showing fewer claimants than he suggested.
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Rewritten Article
Jim Ratcliffe Faces Backlash Over Immigration Comments Amid Ineos Financial Struggles
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, has sparked controversy with his recent remarks on UK immigration. Ratcliffe, who described the UK as being "colonised by immigrants," later apologized for his choice of words, acknowledging that his language might have offended some. The comments have drawn criticism from figures such as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and have reignited debates on immigration and the benefits system in the UK.
Ineos Group's Financial Challenges
Ratcliffe's Ineos Group, a global chemicals giant, is navigating significant financial challenges. The company, which operates 154 facilities across 27 countries, has been lobbying for state financial support to weather industry downturns. Ineos has secured approximately €800 million in grants and loan guarantees from the UK and EU governments to support its refineries and chemical plants. Despite these efforts, the company continues to face pressures from rising energy costs and competition from regions with fewer environmental taxes.
Manchester United and Tax Residency
In February 2024, Ratcliffe finalized a £1.25 billion deal to acquire a 27.7% stake in Manchester United, with the Glazer family retaining majority ownership. This investment underscores Ratcliffe's ongoing commitment to the UK, despite his 2020 move to Monaco, a decision that reportedly saved him billions in taxes. Ratcliffe's relocation has been criticized for its impact on UK tax revenues, estimated to be between £440 million and £4 billion.
Debate Over Immigration and Benefits
Ratcliffe's comments on the UK benefits system have also been scrutinized. He claimed that the economy cannot sustain nine million people on benefits, a figure that official data disputes. According to the Department of Work and Pensions, about 6.5 million people were out of work and receiving benefits as of February 2025. The UK population has increased by 2.7 million since 2020, with net migration accounting for nearly all of this growth.
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Scenario Analysis
The fallout from Ratcliffe's comments could have lasting implications for his public image and business interests. As the UK continues to grapple with immigration and economic challenges, Ratcliffe's remarks may influence public and political discourse on these issues. Meanwhile, Ineos's reliance on state support highlights the broader struggles facing the European chemicals industry, particularly in light of rising energy costs and environmental regulations. As Ratcliffe navigates these challenges, his actions and statements will likely remain under close scrutiny from both the public and policymakers.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, has sparked controversy with his recent remarks on UK immigration. Ratcliffe, who described the UK as being "colonised by immigrants," later apologized for his choice of words, acknowledging that his language might have offended some. The comments have drawn criticism from figures such as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and have reignited debates on immigration and the benefits system in the UK.
Ineos Group's Financial Challenges
Ratcliffe's Ineos Group, a global chemicals giant, is navigating significant financial challenges. The company, which operates 154 facilities across 27 countries, has been lobbying for state financial support to weather industry downturns. Ineos has secured approximately €800 million in grants and loan guarantees from the UK and EU governments to support its refineries and chemical plants. Despite these efforts, the company continues to face pressures from rising energy costs and competition from regions with fewer environmental taxes.
Manchester United and Tax Residency
In February 2024, Ratcliffe finalized a £1.25 billion deal to acquire a 27.7% stake in Manchester United, with the Glazer family retaining majority ownership. This investment underscores Ratcliffe's ongoing commitment to the UK, despite his 2020 move to Monaco, a decision that reportedly saved him billions in taxes. Ratcliffe's relocation has been criticized for its impact on UK tax revenues, estimated to be between £440 million and £4 billion.
Debate Over Immigration and Benefits
Ratcliffe's comments on the UK benefits system have also been scrutinized. He claimed that the economy cannot sustain nine million people on benefits, a figure that official data disputes. According to the Department of Work and Pensions, about 6.5 million people were out of work and receiving benefits as of February 2025. The UK population has increased by 2.7 million since 2020, with net migration accounting for nearly all of this growth.
What this might mean
The fallout from Ratcliffe's comments could have lasting implications for his public image and business interests. As the UK continues to grapple with immigration and economic challenges, Ratcliffe's remarks may influence public and political discourse on these issues. Meanwhile, Ineos's reliance on state support highlights the broader struggles facing the European chemicals industry, particularly in light of rising energy costs and environmental regulations. As Ratcliffe navigates these challenges, his actions and statements will likely remain under close scrutiny from both the public and policymakers.
