British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe has issued an apology after drawing sharp criticism for comments he made about immigration in the United Kingdom, saying he regretted the language he used and the offence it caused. Ratcliffe, chairman of global chemicals group INEOS and a prominent figure in British business and sport, said he was sorry that his remarks had upset people in the UK and across Europe.
The controversy followed an interview in which Ratcliffe said Britain had been colonised immigrants, a phrase that quickly prompted backlash from political leaders and members of the public. Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly criticised the comments, arguing that such language risked deepening divisions at a time when immigration remains one of the most sensitive issues in British politics.
In a statement released on Thursday, Ratcliffe clarified his position, saying his choice of words had caused concern but that he intended to highlight the importance of controlled and well managed immigration policies. He added that immigration should support economic growth and address skills shortages while maintaining social cohesion.
Ratcliffe’s intervention comes amid ongoing debate over migration levels in the United Kingdom. Official data has shown elevated net migration figures in recent years, intensifying political pressure on the government to balance economic demands with public concerns over housing, public services and infrastructure. Immigration policy has remained a central topic in parliamentary discussions, with opposition parties and business leaders often divided over how restrictive future frameworks should be.
Business groups have repeatedly argued that sectors such as healthcare, construction, technology and hospitality rely heavily on overseas workers to fill labour gaps. At the same time, critics of high migration levels have warned that rapid population growth can strain local services and exacerbate cost of living pressures, particularly in major cities.
Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s wealthiest individuals, has previously spoken about competitiveness, investment and the regulatory environment affecting UK industry. His comments on immigration were widely circulated due to his public profile and his ownership stake in Manchester United, one of the country’s most high profile football clubs.
Political analysts say the swift reaction to Ratcliffe’s remarks reflects the broader sensitivity surrounding immigration discourse in Europe, where migration patterns have shaped electoral campaigns and policy debates. Leaders across the continent continue to grapple with border management, asylum processes and workforce needs in an environment marked geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty.
Ratcliffe’s apology may help temper some of the immediate criticism, but the episode underscores how closely scrutinised public statements from influential business figures have become, particularly on issues that intersect with national identity, economic policy and social cohesion.
