CLA · On the Record
Founder, INEOS · Co-owner, Manchester United
“The UK has been colonised by immigrants.”
Context
In a February 2026 interview with Sky News, Sir Jim Ratcliffe used the phrase while arguing that immigration and welfare costs were contributing to Britain’s economic problems. He supported the point with population figures that Sky News and the Office for National Statistics showed were incorrect.
Later the same day, Ratcliffe said he regretted that his choice of language had caused offence while continuing to argue for an open debate about immigration. The Football Association subsequently took no disciplinary action and reminded him of his responsibilities in media interviews.
Evidence
Source: Sky News interview, 12 February 2026
Subsequent statement: Sky Sports, 12 February 2026
Further status: Sky Sports, 20 February 2026
Evidence status: Recorded broadcast interview with contemporaneous reporting and subsequent clarification.
Legal status: No finding of unlawful conduct is asserted.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026
About On the Record
On the Record is Civil Liberties Action’s public archive of consequential statements made by people and organisations influencing British public life. Inclusion is not an allegation of illegality. We publish the source, context and legal status so readers can judge the evidence themselves.
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