Aysu Bicer
02 January 2025•Update: 02 January 2025
LONDON
US business magnate and X owner Elon Musk is facing backlash from British parliamentarians for publicly calling for the release of far-right figure Tommy Robinson from prison.
Musk’s controversial statement, made Thursday morning on his social media platform, urged authorities to “free Tommy Robinson” and called for “a new election in Britain,” drawing widespread condemnation.
Robinson, the founder of the English Defense League (EDL), is a divisive figure in the UK, known for leading anti-immigration rallies that have drawn thousands of supporters.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison in October for breaching a court order related to false claims about a Syrian schoolboy made in a documentary.
Musk intensified the controversy by sharing the documentary with his large following on X, triggering immediate criticism.
Labour MP Stella Creasy warned of the implications for democracy, calling Musk’s actions deeply troubling.
“Musk’s support not just for Tommy Robinson, but also the AfD in Germany, shows just how big a problem he is for democracy as well as the reputation of those who cosy up to him like Nigel Farage and Liz Truss,” Creasy told Politico.
Her remarks referred to Musk’s recent endorsement of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Another Labour MP, speaking anonymously, described Musk’s comments as “dangerous,” cautioning that they could fuel division during a time when unity is critical.
“At a time when communities need to come and work together, we have someone with a lot of influence sowing divisions and spreading hate,” the MP told Politico.
Despite the strong reactions, Prime Minister Keir Starmer refrained from commenting, in contrast to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who openly criticized Musk’s endorsement of the AfD.
Downing Street also declined to address Musk’s remarks directly.
Musk’s comments have increased scrutiny on prominent UK political figures linked to him.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss previously praised Musk’s vision, saying his proposed Department for Government Efficiency—rumored to be part of a second Trump administration—was “needed in Britain.”
Similarly, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who met Musk at former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in December, has spoken positively about the billionaire and hinted at potential donations from him.
