January 5th 2025.
The start of 2025 did not go as planned for Keir Starmer. In the wee hours of New Year's Day, Elon Musk took to social media to launch a public attack on the British prime minister, causing a storm of controversy for his government.
In the days that followed, the world's richest man continued to stir up trouble by bringing up a sensitive and long-standing issue surrounding grooming gangs. He also pushed for the release of Tommy Robinson, a far-right agitator with a large online following. Musk, who was heavily involved in Donald Trump's presidential campaign, has been sharing posts about child sex abuse cases in the UK on his platform, X, over 50 times this week.
Among his demands, Musk has called for Starmer and his safeguarding minister to be removed from power, for new elections to be held, and even for King Charles III to dissolve parliament – a move that has not happened in nearly 200 years and would cause a major constitutional crisis.
These topics have become Musk's latest obsession, but his frustration is not new. As Trump's inauguration approaches, the owner of X has been increasingly involved in European politics, praising and supporting far-right figures on the continent. He has publicly criticized the European Union and its policies and even received a warning from Italy's president to stop meddling in their affairs.
Musk's actions have now become a delicate issue for Britain's political leaders. Starmer is trying to maintain a good relationship with Trump while also trying to combat the growing influence of Reform UK, a populist and anti-immigration party that has received Musk's endorsement. This ongoing feud has also caused a rift between Musk and Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, who was hoping to secure financial backing from the billionaire. However, Musk turned against Farage after he failed to support his stance on Robinson.
Many are now questioning whether Musk can simply be ignored. His clashes with Starmer's Labour government did not start this week. He has previously referred to Britain as a "police state" for its handling of far-right rioters during the summer. He has also openly criticized Starmer and praised Reform UK, a party that has gained popularity by tapping into public frustration with the two major parties in Britain.
Musk has also been vocal about other European politicians, with the German government accusing him of trying to influence their upcoming election by showing support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party. This party has faced accusations of promoting Nazi ideology and has been designated as an extremist organization by German authorities.
Now, Musk's newfound admiration for Tommy Robinson has cemented his position as an idol for the online far-right community in Britain. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was recently imprisoned for repeating false accusations about a Syrian refugee.
Despite Musk's online rants, many in Westminster view it as nothing more than a sideshow. One Labour MP even expressed excitement for the potential fallout between Musk and Trump. However, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the content on Musk's platform and have discussed whether they should continue using it.
Privately, some Labour MPs are questioning why they have become the target of Musk's anger. Unlike in Germany, there is no upcoming election for him to influence in Britain. The next election is not scheduled for another four years, and while Starmer's government may not be the most popular, they still hold a strong majority in parliament.
For Starmer, ignoring Musk's attacks is not an option. While he has chosen not to engage with the billionaire's accusations of inaction against grooming gangs during his time as director of public prosecutions, many are urging him to take a stronger stance to protect his ministers from the online abuse they have received from Musk.
This week, Musk has repeatedly called for Starmer's safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips, to be imprisoned, even referring to her as "pure evil" and "a wicked creature." He has criticized her for prioritizing a local inquiry in Oldham over a national inquiry, a policy that is not a crime but has angered Musk nonetheless. It remains to be seen how this ongoing feud will unfold and what impact it will have on British politics.
It was a rocky start to the new year for Keir Starmer, one that he definitely did not anticipate or desire. In the wee hours of New Year's Day, Elon Musk took to social media and launched a series of angry posts and accusations towards the British Prime Minister, dragging his government into a very public feud.
Since then, the world's wealthiest man has resurfaced a painful and long-standing scandal involving grooming gangs, and has also advocated for the release of Tommy Robinson, a far-right provocateur who has gained a significant following on social media.
Musk, who played a prominent role in the election campaign of US President-elect Donald Trump, has shared or reposted over 50 posts about child sex abuse cases in the UK this week alone. He has called for the removal of Starmer and his safeguarding minister, new elections to be held, and even for King Charles III to dissolve parliament – a move that hasn't happened in almost 200 years and would cause a major constitutional crisis.
These topics may seem like Musk's latest obsession, but his frustration is not a new phenomenon. As Trump's inauguration approaches, the owner of X has become increasingly involved in European politics, often applauding far-right figures on the continent. He has consistently criticized the institutions and policies of the European Union, and his interference has even drawn a warning from the President of Italy to stay out of their affairs.
Musk's actions have now presented a delicate problem for Britain's political leaders. Starmer is making an effort to charm Trump, while simultaneously trying to combat the growing influence of Reform UK, a populist and anti-immigration party that Musk has openly endorsed. This feud may have already caused harm to Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, who was actively seeking Musk's financial support but was ultimately turned against by the billionaire on Sunday for failing to support his stance on Robinson.
The question now is whether Musk can be ignored or not. His clashes with Starmer's Labour government did not start this week. He has previously referred to Britain as a "police state" due to their handling of far-right rioters during the summer. On his platform, he has consistently criticized Starmer, and more recently, has praised Reform UK, a party that has gained popularity by capitalizing on public frustration with the two major parties in the country.
Musk has also taken aim at other European politicians, with the German government accusing him of attempting to influence their upcoming February election by supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany party. This group has been accused of promoting Nazi ideology and slogans, and their youth arm has been labeled as an extremist organization by German authorities.
Musk's increasing fixation with Tommy Robinson has positioned him as an idol for the online far-right community in Britain. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in October for contempt of court after making false accusations about a Syrian refugee.
For most people in Westminster, Musk's rage – like most online trolling – is nothing more than a sideshow. One Labour MP told CNN that they are eagerly awaiting the fallout between Musk and Trump. They also noted the usual post-New Year energy from the frustrated right-wing, but acknowledged that it's just a part of populism. Some MPs have even discussed whether they should stop using X due to concerns about content moderation.
Privately, however, some Labour MPs are asking why they are the target of Musk's wrath. Unlike in Germany, there is no upcoming parliamentary election for Musk to influence. The next election in Britain is not scheduled for another four years, and although Labour's government may not be popular, they are still secure in Parliament.
But for Starmer, ignoring Musk is not an option. So far, the Prime Minister has chosen not to take the bait from the billionaire, who has accused him of not taking action against grooming gangs during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions. Eventually, MPs will want to see Starmer take a stronger stance to protect his ministers from the constant barrage of online abuse from Musk. The billionaire has repeatedly called for the imprisonment of Starmer's safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips, and on Saturday, he even went as far as to label her as "pure evil" and "a wicked creature" for prioritizing a local inquiry in Oldham over a national inquiry – a policy decision that is not a criminal offense.
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