By calling for the release of British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, Elon Musk has caused a stir, angering some Labour MPs. The world’s richest man has also accused the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, of failing to prosecute child rapists in Oldham, located in Greater Manchester.
Posts Demanding Tommy Robinson’s Release
In a pinned message at the top of Musk’s X feed, the billionaire ally of President-elect Donald Trump said, “Free Tommy Robinson!” He also tagged Robinson, who is currently jailed for contempt of court. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed last October for repeating false allegations about a Syrian refugee.
The owner of X posted additional messages of support for Robinson. Musk reposted multiple comments on X that called for Robinson’s release. His attempted intervention in UK politics has upset some Labour MPs, several of whom have argued that the British government should not post on X.
Attacks on the Prime Minister
The Telsa co-founder attacked the prime minister and the safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips, for their response to the rape gangs in Rochdale and Oldham.
Musk wrote in a post on his social media X (formerly Twitter), “In the UK, serious crimes such as rape require the Crown Prosecution Service’s approval for the police to charge suspects. Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013.”
Musk also attacked Phillips after her comments that it’s the responsibility of the Oldham council to call an inquiry into child exploitation in their area, not the national government. The billionaire said that she “deserved to be in prison.”
The billionaire continued in another post: “The real reason she’s refusing to investigate the rape gangs is that it would obviously lead to the blaming of Keir Starmer (head of the [Crown Prosecution Service] at the time).”
An Oldham council spokesperson said, “Survivors sit at the heart of our work to end child sexual exploitation. Whatever happens in terms of future inquiries, we have promised them that their wishes will be paramount, and we will not renege on that pledge. We all recognize that terrible mistakes were made in the past, with children ignored or dismissed. By ensuring that survivors have a voice that is heard, we can help make sure that no child will be failed in the future.”
Musk has also attacked Starmer over his response to the riots in the UK in the summer of 2024.
Musk’s Support of the British Far Right
Reports indicate that X’s owner may donate as much as $100 million to Reform UK. Two weeks ago, Musk was photographed with the party’s leader, Nigel Farage, and its treasurer, Nick Candy.
Previously, Musk has promised to support Alternative für Deutschland, the German anti-migration party. His overnight posts on X are his most “explicit endorsement” of the far right in Britain.
According to one MP, [Musk] has pushed it too far this time. Twitter [now X] is really rapidly becoming a cesspit, even for disinterested non-partisan types.”
Some UK ministers say Musk’s posts should trigger the government to leave X.
In contrast, others warn of a possible diplomatic incident due to Musk’s role in the Trump administration, which is poised to take power later in January 2025.
Downing Street declined to comment on the situation with X and Musk’s posts.
A Reform UK spokesperson refuses to say whether Musk’s calls for Robinson’s release would change its decision to accept money from the billionaire. Robinson is a divisive figure within the party.
