LONDON
American 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 on his social media platform Thursday morning, urged authorities to “free Tommy Robinson” and called for “new elections in Britain,” drawing widespread condemnation.
Robinson, the founder of the English Defense League (EDL), is a divisive figure in Britain and is known for leading anti-immigration rallies that have attracted 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 in a documentary.
Musk intensified the controversy by sharing the documentary with his large following on X, drawing immediate criticism.
Labor MP Stella Creasy warned of the consequences for democracy and called Musk’s actions deeply disturbing.
“Musk’s support, not only for Tommy Robinson, but also for the AfD in Germany, shows how big a problem he is for democracy and for the reputation of those who associate with him, such as Nigel Farage and Liz Truss,” Creasy told Politico.
Her comments referenced Musk’s recent support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Another Labor MP described the comments from Musk, who spoke anonymously, as “dangerous” and warned they could fuel division at a time when unity is crucial.
“At a time when communities need to come together and work together, we have someone with a lot of influence who is sowing division and spreading hatred,” the lawmaker told Politico.
Despite the strong reactions, Prime Minister Keir Starmer refrained from commenting, unlike German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who openly criticized Musk’s support for the AfD.
Downing Street also declined to comment directly on Musk’s comments.
Musk’s comments have increased scrutiny of prominent British political figures associated with him.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss previously praised Musk’s vision, saying his proposed Department for Government Efficiency – reportedly part of a second Trump administration – was “needed in Britain.”
Similarly, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who met Musk at former US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in December, has spoken positively about the billionaire and hinted at possible donations from him.
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