# Sir Jim Ratcliffe UK economic and immigration commentary

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sir-jim-ratcliffe-uk-economic-and-immigration-commentary
> Updated: 2026-09-19T16:32:21.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 2.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire founder of Ineos and stakeholder in Manchester United, has criticized the economic state of the United Kingdom, stating the country is ‘on the slide’. In recent interviews, Ratcliffe attributed this decline to high taxation, high immigration, and excessive welfare spending. He argued that the UK has developed a ‘green eye towards wealth’ that discourages high earners, contrasting the UK with the United States where wealth creators are applauded. He also characterized the lack of investment in North Sea oil and gas as ‘insanity’, warning that low gas storage could lead to winter supply shortages.

UK government officials have responded to these criticisms. Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson defended the economy, stating it is in a ‘strong position’ ahead of the upcoming Budget. Phillipson suggested Ratcliffe’s perspective should be taken ‘with a pinch of salt’ due to his status as a tax resident of Monaco since 2020.

Following these remarks, the Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club (MUMSC) called for the departure of Ratcliffe and the Glazer family. The group labeled his comments regarding immigration and the benefits system as ‘deeply disappointing’ and ‘completely unacceptable’, noting that the diversity of the club is a core strength. This follows previous controversial statements made by Ratcliffe in February regarding immigration, where he suggested the UK had been ‘colonized by immigrants’, for which he later apologized.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Sir Jim Ratcliffe faces calls to leave Manchester United over immigration remarks

Manchester United's Muslim Supporters’ Club has called for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family to leave the club following Ratcliffe's controversial remarks regarding UK immigration and taxes.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sir-jim-ratcliffe-faces-calls-to-exit-manchester-united-over-immigration-remarks

### 2026-09-18: Jim Ratcliffe warns UK is “on the slide” due to taxes and immigration

Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has warned the UK is “on the slide,” citing high taxes and immigration. Government ministers dismissed his claims, noting his status as a tax resident in Monaco.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sir-jim-ratcliffe-criticizes-uk-economic-decline-and-taxation

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Cite as: Sir Jim Ratcliffe UK economic and immigration commentary. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sir-jim-ratcliffe-uk-economic-and-immigration-commentary