Prime Minister Kier Starmer tells Sir Jim Ratcliffe to apologise

The fallout from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s explosive comments about immigration continues to intensify, with the political storm now reaching the very top of the government.

Earlier today, the Manchester United co-owner sparked major controversy after claiming the UK had been “colonised by immigrants” during an interview with Sky News.

The remarks drew widespread criticism across social media and from supporters’ groups, including a response from the 1958 fan group who labelled the British billionaire “a total embarrassment” in a public statement.

Now, the UK Prime Minister has weighed in.

In a direct response posted on X, Keir Starmer condemned Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments in no uncertain terms.

The Prime Minister wrote: “Offensive and wrong. Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country.

Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.”

The intervention significantly raises the stakes.

What began as a controversial interview has quickly escalated into a national political row involving one of the Premier League’s most high-profile owners.

Ratcliffe, who became co-owner of Manchester United through INEOS and has overseen sweeping changes at Old Trafford, had defended his approach by suggesting that difficult decisions – whether in business, football or politics – often make leaders unpopular.

However, his immigration remarks have shifted the focus well beyond football governance.

The timing is also sensitive.

United remain in a period of transition following managerial upheaval and structural reform, with Ratcliffe previously acknowledging he has become “very unpopular” among sections of the fanbase.

With the Prime Minister now publicly calling for an apology, pressure is mounting on the INEOS chief to clarify or retract his comments.

Whether Ratcliffe responds – and how – could have implications not just politically, but reputationally for Manchester United as well.