Labour has reignited a dispute with Elon Musk after Downing Street accused the tech billionaire of spreading "dangerous and inflammatory" language during a weekend anti-migrant rally in London, heightening tensions on the eve of US President Donald Trump's state visit.
Musk took part via video link in a rally organised by hard-right activist Tommy Robinson and told participants that "violence is coming" and that people must "fight back or die," while calling for "revolutionary government change," Downing Street said. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the remarks threatened "violence and intimidation on our streets" and said they were out of step with a country the government described as "fair, tolerant and decent."
The incident comes as Mr Trump arrives in the UK for an unprecedented second state visit, a trip during which free speech is expected to feature prominently on the agenda. British and US officials said the two leaders are due to meet for talks at Chequers on Thursday, where ministers expect discussions to include steel tariffs and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza as well as civil liberties.
Downing Street pointed to Musk's appearance at the Unite The Kingdom rally on Saturday as the latest in a series of clashes between the Tesla and X owner and the government. Musk has previously provoked Whitehall over his comments during last year's Southport riots and on issues relating to grooming gangs, officials said.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle, speaking after the rally, said the event demonstrated that "free speech, free association, is alive and well" in Britain. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Britain's democracy was "too precious to be a plaything for foreign tech barons," while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the "context" of Musk's remarks left "a degree of ambiguity," adding that if Musk meant fighting in elections it was part of a democratic struggle.
A source close to Mr Trump told reporters that the US president has repeatedly pressed the issue of free speech in private discussions with British ministers, and that it was expected to be a top subject during his engagements in the UK. Mr Trump was reported to have criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer's approach to free speech during talks in the summer.
Officials said Sir Keir, who has defended Britain’s record on free expression, will likely raise concerns about public order and the potential for rhetoric to encourage violence when he meets the US president. Downing Street said it would continue to challenge language it regards as promoting intimidation while also stressing the need to protect lawful protest and free expression.
Musk's participation in the rally, and the resulting political fallout, underscores tensions over the limits of online and public speech, and the role played by high-profile international figures who use social platforms to reach large audiences. The episode adds to a run of episodes in which transnational commentary has intersected with domestic political debates in the UK, prompting responses from government ministers, opposition leaders and campaigners.
No formal legal action has been announced in relation to Musk's remarks. Police and local authorities have previously said they will investigate threats or incitement to violence when there is evidence of criminality, and ministers said they expected law enforcement to act where appropriate. As Mr Trump begins his visit, government figures and opposition politicians alike said they will press for a balance between safeguarding public order and protecting fundamental freedoms of speech and assembly.