LONDON — Elon Musk intensified his criticism of the British government this weekend, labeling the U.K. a “tyrannical police state,” sharing far-right content, and promoting a petition for an early general election. The billionaire and owner of X (formerly Twitter) has been embroiled in an ongoing dispute with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government, which won a landslide victory in July.
Musk’s Weekend Salvo
Musk’s latest comments followed his endorsement of a viral petition demanding an immediate general election, despite the recent U.K. vote. “The people of Britain have had enough of a tyrannical police state,” Musk wrote in response to the petition.
A day earlier, Musk shared a graph highlighting Starmer’s declining approval ratings, adding: “The voice of the people is a great antidote.”
Historical Tensions
Musk’s feud with the Labour government began over the summer after a tragic incident in Southport, where three schoolgirls were killed. Musk criticized the U.K. policing system, accused Starmer of implementing a “two-tier” justice system, and shared inaccurate claims about the government’s response. He further stoked controversy by predicting “civil war is inevitable” in the U.K., remarks that drew sharp criticism from Downing Street.
In retaliation, Musk was notably excluded from a major investment summit in the fall. However, British ministers have since attempted to rebuild relations with the tech magnate, who holds a key advisory role in Donald Trump’s incoming U.S. administration.
Support for Far-Right Content
This weekend, Musk also reignited controversy by questioning the imprisonment of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, who was jailed for breaching a court order after spreading libelous claims in a documentary about a Syrian refugee schoolboy. Musk shared Robinson’s documentary with his 200 million followers, amplifying its reach and provoking widespread condemnation.
Downing Street’s Response
Pressed on Musk’s remarks, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Starmer stated, “The prime minister looks forward to working with President Trump and his team, including Elon Musk, to strengthen the special U.K.-U.S. relationship.”
Implications for U.K.-U.S. Relations
Musk’s outspoken comments and growing influence within the Trump administration have raised questions about the future of U.K.-U.S. relations. While Starmer’s government aims to maintain a productive alliance with Trump, Musk’s rhetoric and alignment with far-right figures risk overshadowing diplomatic efforts.
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