UK PM slams Elon Musk for saying far-right riots ‘inevitable’
A representative for Keir Starmer stated that there is no valid reason for the tech billionaire's remarks concerning a potential 'civil war.'
The government of the United Kingdom is still urging social media companies to take more action against "criminal content" on their websites. | Photo taken by Henry Nicholls via WPA/Getty Images
On August 5, 2024 at 3:18 pm Central European Time, the latest blog post was published.
In London, Keir Starmer of Britain criticized Elon Musk for stating that the surge of far-right violence in the U.K. was bound to happen.
The spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Britain stated that Musk's comments, which were posted on the X platform he recently acquired, were not justified.
The United Kingdom has experienced outbreaks of violent unrest in several urban areas over the past few days, with mosques and accommodations for refugees being targeted by far-right protests.
The chaos started following the tragic murder of three young girls in a stabbing incident at a children's dance class in Southport last Monday.
Musk, who has received backlash for sharing inaccurate information about the attacker's identity, stated on Sunday that a civil war in the U.K. is bound to happen.
The wealthy individual posted a message on Twitter in reply to a video from right-wing personality Ashley St. Clair depicting the chaos currently happening in the United Kingdom.
Starmer's representative responded on Monday to reporters questioning the comments, stating that there is no reason or excuse for such remarks. They emphasized that the country has experienced coordinated and unlawful violence that is unacceptable both in the streets and online.
"We are referring to a small group of criminals who do not represent Britain ... The Prime Minister does not agree with those [Musk's] opinions," stated the spokesperson for the PM.
Musk has emphasized his support for free speech by reinstating the Twitter account of British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, despite controversy.
The UK government is urging social media companies to take stronger action against "criminal content" on their websites, although it is uncertain what methods it can use to enforce this.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC that social media companies need to be quicker in removing criminal material even though they are required to do so in certain cases.
Downing Street said that government officials are reaching out to social media companies.
