Irish in Britain, an organisation founded by and for migrants, is concerned by the inflammatory comments from Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United football club, suggesting that migration represents a form of “colonisation”. This is not just historically illiterate, it also demeans the rich cultural and economic legacy of those who have contributed to modern Britain.
Britain’s economy, and Manchester’s in particular, has been shaped through migrant labour and exchange. The Manchester Ship Canal, opened in 1894 and built largely by Irish navvies, connected the city to the Irish Sea and to a maritime trade rooted in Britain’s colonial past.
These histories are complex, yet they affirm a consistent truth: prosperity has long relied on migration. That contribution extends into Manchester’s rich cultural and sporting history. Several of the ‘Busby Babes’ of the 1950s were born on the island of Ireland, including Dubliner Liam Whelan, who died in the Munich air disaster. Their story forms part of a wider post-war legacy in which Irish and Commonwealth migrants helped rebuild cities, transport networks and the NHS.
Public concern about pressure on services, housing and opportunity is real. These challenges arise from policy choices, investment priorities and structural inequality, not from people who come to work, rebuild and contribute. Scapegoating migrant communities for systemic failures is not new of course, we have seen and heard it before. Words matter because they are consequential, they stoke extremism, division and fear.
Responsible leadership should be grounded in history and evidence. If Mr Ratcliffe stepped outside of the boardroom and took a walk through the streets of Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds, he would see migrant organisations strengthening community connection every day.
Across Britain, our member organisations reflect a long legacy of immigrant contribution. Their commitment remains unchanged: supporting vulnerable people, strengthening cohesion and working in partnership to build a society where belonging is defined not by origin, but by civic participation and care for one another.
Brian Dalton, CEO Irish in Britain
Gerard McHale, Chair Irish in Britain