Alex Armstrong has waded into the row surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s immigration comments.
The Ineos founder and Manchester United co-owner sparked fierce debate after claiming Britain has been “colonised” by immigrants and warning that public services are under unsustainable strain.
Speaking at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, the billionaire said the UK faces deep political, social and economic challenges, with immigration central to the issue.
“You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,” he said. “I mean, the UK has been colonised. It’s costing too much money.”
Alex Armstrong took to X to call out Sir Keir Starmer
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GB NewsThe 73-year-old also claimed the population had risen from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million today. However, Office for National Statistics data shows the UK population stood at 67 million in mid-2020, increasing to 70 million by mid-2024.
During his summit appearance, Sir Jim also cast doubt on whether Sir Keir was suited to lead the country.
“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,” he said, describing the Prime Minister as “a nice man” but questioning whether he had the necessary toughness.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded on Wednesday evening, describing the remarks as “offensive and wrong” and urging Sir Jim to apologise.
Sir Keir Starmer called on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to apologise | X / KEIR STARMER
Alex took to X to defend the businessman, writing: “The Prime Minister has no place telling private citizens what they should say or think.
“It’s not like Starmer is in a position to lecture anyone on being ‘wrong’ nor should he advise on making apologies.”
Supporters of the GB News presenter flooded his replies with agreement.
“Exactly. The power of the state should not be employed against private citizens’ opinions,” one wrote.
The Prime Minister has no place telling private citizens what they should say or think.
It’s not like Starmer is in a position to lecture anyone on being “wrong” nor should he advise on making apologies. https://t.co/SvcVh3gyIL
— Alex Armstrong (@Alexarmstrong) February 12, 2026
Another added: “I find it offensive that Starmer and his cronies treat us like bl**dy mushrooms but I guess the apology thing only works one way…”
Others, however, backed the Prime Minister. “He is not telling anyone what to think. He is pointing out that Ratcliffe is factually wrong as well as being deliberately offensive,” one user responded.
Another commented: “If Jim doesn’t like it he can always leave the UK and avoid paying tax… Oh wait.”
Not everyone rejected the Ineos chairman’s intervention, with several high-profile figures sharing their opinions online.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe made a series of controversial statements on immigration | GETTY
Former prime minister Ms Liz Truss voiced support, writing: “Ratcliffe is right. Now let’s see him and fellow business leaders step up and help fix the country.”
Meanwhile, several GB News presenters weighed in on the controversy.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage strongly backed Sir Jim, arguing Britain has experienced “unprecedented mass immigration” that has altered the character of many communities.
He dismissed calls for an apology, claiming Labour has failed to address the impact of migration.
Patrick Christys said Starmer should apologise for the unrelenting tidal wave of crimes committed by migrants
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GB NEWSMichelle Dewberry defended Sir Jim on social media, accusing the Prime Minister of “constantly trotting out mantras” about diversity. She said “scores of people agree” with the businessman and urged Sir Keir to engage with voters about their concerns.
Patrick Christys took to X to write: “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.”
Regular GB News guest Mr Adam Brooks praised Sir Jim’s “open speech” and accused the Prime Minister of showing an “authoritarian side” by demanding an apology.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe implied that Sir Keir Starmer is too nice to run the country
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SKY NEWSMark Littlewood, director of Popular Conservatives and a frequent contributor, said the wider debate should be allowed to take place and warned against “cancelling” Sir Jim over his remarks.
Meanwhile, GB News Home and Security Editor Mark White said critics were “seizing upon” Sir Jim’s wording in order to avoid engaging with his wider economic concerns.