Keir Starmer slams Elon Musk for 'lies and misinformation' on Pakistani grooming gangs: 'Crossed a line'; Billionaire doubles down

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has fiercely condemned Elon Musk and right-wing populists for spreading "lies and misinformation" about grooming gangs, following a series of explosive and inflammatory remarks by the tech billionaire. Musk has not backed down, escalating the controversy with further accusations and support for far-right figures like Tommy Robinson.

Starmer condemns lies and defends victimsIn a defiant speech on NHS reform, Starmer responded to a barrage of attacks, which had focused on the government's handling of the grooming gangs scandal and its refusal to launch a second public inquiry. Musk, who had previously called the government “complicit in mass rapes for votes,” continued his campaign, accusing Starmer of "ignoring the pleas of little girls" in exchange for political support.

“Those who spread lies and misinformation are not interested in victims, they’re interested in themselves,” Starmer stated, visibly angered. “They’re cheerleading Tommy Robinson, a man who went to prison for nearly collapsing a grooming case. They’re trying to get a vicarious thrill from street violence, which people like Robinson promote.”

Starmer defends Jess Phillips amid right-wing attacksThe prime minister's remarks were specifically aimed at Musk’s supporters, including accusations leveled against Minister for Safeguarding Jess Phillips. Musk had previously branded Phillips “a witch” and accused her of being a supporter of “genocidal rape abusers.” Starmer emphatically defended Phillips, saying, “Jess Phillips has done a thousand times more than they have ever dreamed about when it comes to protecting victims of sexual abuse.”

Starmer calls out Tory Party for silence on Musk’s rhetoricHe continued to criticize those who perpetuate far-right rhetoric: “When the poison of the far right leads to serious threats, that in my book, means a line has been crossed. I enjoy the cut and thrust of politics, but that has to be based on facts and truth, not lies.”

Starmer also called out the Conservative Party for not condemning Musk's attacks, accusing them of being complicit in spreading misinformation. "This government will get on with the job of protecting victims. What I won’t tolerate is a debate based on lies and politicians jumping on the bandwagon just to get attention," Starmer stated, echoing concerns about the growing influence of far-right agendas.

Musk escalates with inflammatory claims against Starmer
While Starmer refrained from commenting directly on whether he would sue Musk for defamation, he made it clear that the issue at hand was the harmful spread of misinformation. The Prime Minister emphasized that this was not about Musk or US politics but about the responsibility of British politicians to condemn dangerous rhetoric.

Musk’s growing influence and controversial support for far-right figures
Musk’s response to Starmer’s critique came quickly. The billionaire accused the prime minister of being “utterly despicable” for his alleged complicity in the grooming gang crisis. On X (formerly Twitter), Musk said, “Starmer repeatedly ignored the pleas of vast numbers of little girls and their parents, in order to secure political support. Starmer is utterly despicable.”

In a troubling turn, Musk also suggested that “America should liberate the people of Britain from their tyrannical government,” further fueling tensions over his growing influence in UK politics. He also publicly expressed his support for far-right figures, including Robinson, whom he described as a "political prisoner." Musk’s endorsement of controversial political figures has raised concerns about his role in stoking racial division and misinformation.

Starmer stresses his efforts to tackle grooming gangs during DPP tenure
Starmer, who as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) oversaw significant prosecutions of grooming gangs, expressed his frustration with the ongoing attacks. He took pride in his record, saying, “When I was DPP, I tackled this issue head-on. I reopened closed cases and brought forward the first major prosecution of an Asian grooming gang in Rochdale. I changed the whole prosecution approach because I wanted to challenge the myths and stereotypes that had been stopping the victims from being heard.”
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