INEOS Boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe Claims Immigrants Have Colonised the UK
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a prominent figure in the UK business landscape, recently made headlines with his remarks on immigration. The founder of INEOS and part-owner of Manchester United expressed his concerns that the influx of immigrants is causing significant strain on the country’s resources.
Immigration and Resource Strain in the UK
During an interview with Sky News, Ratcliffe argued that the UK has been effectively “colonised” by immigrants. He highlighted the rising number of people on welfare, saying, “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.”
Population Growth Statistics
Ratcliffe noted the remarkable increase in the UK’s population, which has risen from approximately 58.9 million in 2000 to an estimated 70 million by mid-2024. He cited statistics from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), reporting:
- Population in mid-2020: 67 million
- Projected population for mid-2024: 70 million
Such figures raise alarm about the implications for the economy and state resources, according to Ratcliffe.
Political Leadership and Economic Strategy
Ratcliffe also shared his views on the current political leadership. He suggested that Prime Minister Keir Starmer may not be taking the right approach to tackle the challenges facing the UK. “I think you have to do some difficult things to get it back on track,” he stated.
He described the political landscape as requiring leaders who can make tough decisions, even at the risk of their popularity. This sentiment echoes his experiences at Manchester United, where he has made significant changes that were initially unpopular but ultimately aimed at improving the club’s performance.
Concerns at the European Industry Summit
Ratcliffe’s comments came during the European Industry Summit in Antwerp. This event brought together leaders from major economies to discuss pressing economic challenges, including the fate of the chemical sector in Europe.
He remarked that the European chemicals industry is experiencing “unsurvivable conditions,” indicating serious concerns over the future of this vital sector. As closures and economic pressures mount, Ratcliffe’s statements reflect a larger dialogue regarding the state of both industry and immigration in the UK.
