Speaking ahead of the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, the Manchester United co-owner stated: “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.”

The 73-year-old billionaire claimed the UK population had surged from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million currently.

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However, it should be noted that the Office for National Statistics figures contradict this assertion, showing the population stood at 67 million in mid-2020, with 58 million last recorded around 2000.

The Ineos founder also cast doubt on whether Sir Keir possesses the necessary qualities to lead the nation. “I don’t know whether it’s just the apparatus that hasn’t allowed Keir to do it or he’s maybe too nice – I mean, Keir is a nice man,” Sir Jim remarked.

While expressing personal fondness for the prime minister, he suggested the role demands someone prepared to take difficult decisions.

“I like him, but it’s a tough job, and I think you have to do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track, because at the moment I don’t think the economy is in a good state,” Sir Jim told Sky.

Starmer should apologise for the unrelenting tidal wave of crimes committed by migrants, and the damage mass immigration is doing to our society and economy https://t.co/HzNJ92TKt0

— Patrick Christys (@PatrickChristys) February 11, 2026

Mr Ratcliffe also disclosed that he has recently held discussions with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. “I think Nigel is an intelligent man and I think he’s got good intentions,” he commented.

Sir Jim’s comments have sparked widespread debate on social media and even caught the eye of the prime minister.

Sir Keir took to X to dismiss Mr Ratcliffe’s comments. “Offensive and wrong. Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise,” the PM penned.

However, the prime minister’s stance wasn’t one unanimously held by fellow social media users, including the People’s Channel’s very own Patrick.

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The Patrick Christys Tonight host took to X to bluntly say: “Jim Ratcliffe is right.”

After spotting Sir Keir’s rebuttal of Sir Jim’s comments, Patrick added: “Starmer should apologise for the unrelenting tidal wave of crimes committed by migrants, and the damage mass immigration is doing to our society and economy.”

And he wasn’t the only GB News star to take issue with the PM’s calls for Mr Ratcliffe to apologise.

Dewbs & Co star Michelle Dewberry took aim: “Hi @Keir_Starmer I think you’ll find scores of people agree with him.

“Instead of constantly trotting out mantras about how ‘diversity is our strength’ & demanding apologies from those who disagree.

“Why don’t you go and talk to people and truly try to understand their view on what you and others have done to their communities…”

“UK tells PM to apologise for sending nation into the gutter,” Ben Leo weighed in on his page, suggesting Mr Ratcliffe’s comments were echoed by the public.

And Alex Armstrong has been similarly dismayed by the prime minister’s calls for an apology.

Totally wrong. Totally out of step with British values. He should apologise now. pic.twitter.com/0orpl8ehKu

— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) February 11, 2026

“The Prime Minister has no place telling private citizens what they should say or think,” Alex began on X.

“It’s not like Starmer is in a position to lecture anyone on being ‘wrong’ nor should he advise on making apologies.”

However, Mr Starmer isn’t the only politician to have publicly called for Mr Ratcliffe to U-turn on his comments.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey similarly shared: “Totally wrong. Totally out of step with British values. He should apologise now.”