Elon Musk Clashes with UK Prime Minister Over Civil War Comments Amidst Ongoing Riots

Elon Musk responds to Sir Keir Starmer following dismissal of 'civil war' remarks

Musk, the wealthy proprietor of X, posted his initial statements on the social media site under a video showing rioters launching fireworks at police officers.

By Faye Brown and Alix Culbertson, political correspondents

Monday, August 5, 2024 22:31

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A verbal conflict has erupted between Elon Musk and the Prime Minister following the billionaire's assertion that the UK is on the brink of a civil war.

Musk, the wealthy proprietor of X, ignited a dispute with Downing Street concerning the riots shaking the UK, amid worries that online misinformation is exacerbating the turmoil.

Latest from the UK: Unprecedented police challenges amid opposing demonstrations

On his personal social media platform, Musk responded to a video showing rioters launching fireworks at police officers by stating, "civil war is inevitable."

The prime minister's spokesperson swiftly dismissed these remarks, stating that such comments are completely unjustifiable and warning that individuals inciting violence on the internet will be met with the utmost legal consequences.

Musk responded to a post by Sir Keir on social media that condemned acts of violence against Muslims.

Far-right protests have targeted mosques and hotels that accommodate asylum seekers.

Sir Keir stated that the disturbances "constitute not protest but sheer violence," emphasizing: "Attacks on mosques or Muslim communities are unacceptable."

Musk responded, "Shouldn't attacks on every community be worrisome?"

The dispute could jeopardize initiatives by the authorities to press social media platforms into taking greater accountability for eliminating damaging content online, which is thought to be fueling some of the unrest.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle convened a meeting with executives from TikTok, Meta, Google, and X on Monday evening to emphasize their ongoing duty to collaborate with the government in curbing the spread of harmful misinformation and incitement.

Following the discussion, the cabinet minister noted: "Platforms are faced with a considerable volume of material that requires swift action."

"Diverse corporations adopt varied strategies, and it is anticipated that platforms will take responsibility to prevent individuals intent on disseminating hate online from finding any refuge or support."

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Earlier, Sir Keir presided over an urgent COBRA committee meeting addressing the riots, where he announced that individuals inciting violence through the internet would be met with "the full force of the law".

"The location doesn't change the nature of the act; promoting violence is unacceptable, whether it happens on the internet or in person," stated the prime minister.

"Thus, I anticipate that those actively involved on the streets will be arrested, charged, and prosecuted accordingly."

"Similarly, individuals proven to have engaged in criminal activities on the internet will receive comparable treatment."

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Further details: What's causing the unrest in the UK? Migrants found sleeping in forests after hotel becomes focal point.

Over 400 individuals have been detained following the outbreak of riots last Tuesday.

On Monday night, authorities from Devon and Cornwall Police reported that several arrests had been made following the vandalism of a police vehicle and confrontations with officers, who faced significant aggression during protests in Plymouth.

Amid the unrest in the UK, nations such as Nigeria, Malaysia, and Indonesia have issued travel advisories to their citizens.

Despite requests for military intervention, the government has so far rejected these calls, maintaining that the police are sufficiently equipped to handle the situation.

Unrest erupted in Southport after the detention of Axel Rudakubana, who faces accusations of killing three young girls and attempting to murder 10 others.

Last Monday in a town in Merseyside, three children, Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine, and Bebe King, aged six, were fatally stabbed.

Online rumors claimed that the individual detained was a Muslim refugee who had entered the UK last year on a small boat.

Rudakubana entered the world in Cardiff, the child of Rwandan parents, and later relocated to a small village close to Southport.

Andrew Tate, the contentious social media figure, spread the incorrect claim that the perpetrator was an "illegal migrant".

In another development, Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, raised doubts about the accuracy of police statements that the incident was not related to terrorism.

Sir Keir mentioned that a large contingent of specialized police officers is ready to respond to any additional violent disturbances.

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The prime minister declared an intensification of the criminal justice system, including extended operating hours for courts.

He has asked for the identities of those accused to be revealed as soon as possible.

Sir Keir emphasized, "Regardless of the alleged reasons, this cannot be considered a protest—it is sheer violence. We will not stand for any attacks on mosques or our Muslim communities."

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