Elon Musk has caused anger by calling for the release of Tommy Robinson and accusing Keir Starmer of failing to prosecute child rapists in Oldham, Greater Manchester.
Donald Trump’s billionaire ally posted a message at the top of his X feed overnight saying “Free Tommy Robinson!”, tagging the far-right activist who is in jail for contempt of court.
As well as a series of messages in support of Robinson, Musk posted several times about rapist gangs in Rochdale and Oldham, attacking the First Minister and Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips for their responses to the scandal.
In a publication Musk said: “In the UK, serious crimes such as rape require approval from the Crown Prosecution Service for police to bring charges against suspects. Who was the head of the CPS when rapist gangs were allowed to exploit girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013.”
He added that Phillips “deserved to be in prison” after saying it was up to Oldham council to call an inquiry into child exploitation there, rather than the national government.
in another he said: “The real reason he refuses to investigate rapist gangs is that it would obviously lead to blaming Keir Stamer (head of the (Crown Prosecution Service) at the time).”
Musk reposted several comments calling for the release of Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who was jailed last October for repeating false accusations about a Syrian refugee.
Musk’s latest intervention in British politics has caused anger among Labor MPs, many of whom have been pressuring the government to stop posting on X.
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The Tesla founder and X owner has repeatedly attacked Starmer over the prime minister’s response to the UK riots last summer. He is reportedly considering donating up to $100m (£80m) to Reform UK, and was pictured alongside the party’s leader, Nigel Farage, and its treasurer, Nick Candy, two weeks ago.
Musk’s posts overnight are his most explicit endorsement yet of the British far-right and come after he pledged to support the German anti-immigration party Alternative für Deutschland.
One MP said: “(Musk) has taken things too far this time. Twitter (now X) is quickly becoming a cesspool, even for disinterested, non-partisan types.”
Several ministers said they thought this should be the trigger for the government to abandon Musk’s platform. Others, however, warned that doing so could spark a diplomatic incident given Musk’s role in the incoming Trump administration.
Downing Street declined to comment.
A Reform UK spokesperson did not say whether the billionaire’s backing of Robinson – a divisive figure within the party – would change his willingness to accept his money.
An Oldham council spokesperson said: “Survivors are at the heart of our work to end child sexual exploitation. Whatever happens in terms of future research, we have promised you that your wishes will be paramount and we will not break that promise.
“We all recognize that terrible mistakes have been made in the past, where children have been ignored or dismissed. By ensuring survivors have a voice that is heard, we can help ensure that no child fails in the future.”