UK Politicians Slam Elon Musk Over Remarks At Anti-Migrant Rally

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced mounting pressure on Monday to impose sanctions on Elon Musk after the Tesla and X owner delivered a video address to a massive anti-immigration rally, warning attendees that "violence is coming to you" and urging them to "fight back or you die." The comments, made during Saturday's "Unite the Kingdom" demonstration in central London organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson—real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon—drew sharp rebukes from across the political spectrum for inciting unrest and meddling in UK affairs.

The rally, billed as a "free speech festival", attracted an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 participants waving Union Jacks and St George's flags, marking one of the largest far-right gatherings in Britain in decades. Clashes erupted as protesters attempted to breach police lines separating them from a smaller counter-demonstration by Stand Up to Racism, injuring 26 officers—four seriously—and leading to 25 arrests, with more expected.

In his address, Musk called for Parliament's dissolution, an early election, and a "revolutionary" government change, blaming "massive uncontrolled migration" for Britain's "destruction". He also referenced the recent killing of U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk, accusing "the left" of celebrating murder.

Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey led the condemnations, writing to Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and Reform UK's Nigel Farage to denounce Musk's "disgusting and inappropriate" attempt to "sow discord and incite violence." Davey urged consideration of sanctions, emphasising that "Musk will face serious consequences."

Equalities Minister Jacqui Smith labelled the remarks "wrong and dangerous", while Business Secretary Peter Kyle called them "slightly incomprehensible" and "totally inappropriate", though he noted the event underscored the need to address public concerns like immigration through free speech. Starmer, who has not directly addressed Musk, posted on X reaffirming Britain's commitment to peaceful protest and tolerance, vowing not to tolerate assaults on police or intimidation based on background.

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The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of escalating migration tensions, with over 30,000 irregular crossings of the English Channel in small boats recorded in 2025 so far—a 34% rise from the same period in 2024—despite joint UK-French efforts to dismantle smuggling networks. Asylum-seeker hotel accommodations have fuelled summer protests, some violent, amplifying far-right narratives.

Musk, a vocal critic of European online content regulations and supporter of figures like Robinson—the founder of the anti-Islam English Defence League—and Germany's AfD party, has a history of amplifying hard-right voices. Robinson, a convicted fraudster, has seen his profile boosted by Musk's X endorsements. As red crosses appear on buildings in a reported intimidation campaign against minorities, Starmer stressed on X that "Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity, and respect," refusing to let the flag symbolise division.

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