Manchester United co-owner says UK 'colonised' by immigrants: Jim Ratcliffe sparks outrage; Brit PM Keir Starmer demands apology

Feb 12, 2026 - 10:30

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s remarks that Britain has been “colonised by immigrants” detonated far beyond a single interview because they landed at the fault line of modern British politics. Linking immigration, welfare and national decline, the Monaco-based Manchester United co-owner used loaded language and shaky numbers that triggered backlash from politicians, supporters and campaigners. Yet the episode also revealed a deeper truth: immigration anxiety now drives the UK’s political mood, fuelling the rise of Reform and hollowing out Labour’s popularity. When an establishment insider says this out loud, it signals how far the Overton window has already shifted.