Starmer accuses Musk of interfering in UK politics over Nowak case
8 reported
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Elon Musk of “interfering in our politics” and attempting to create division, marking a toughening of government language toward the X owner. Starmer’s comments follow weeks of posts by Musk on his social media platform about the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak, many of which used far-right themes and talking points. Starmer met Nowak’s family at Downing Street on Thursday to discuss a response to Hampshire police, who arrested Nowak as he lay dying from stab wounds after a false accusation of racist abuse by the killer. Speaking in West Yorkshire, Starmer said Britain needed to “assert who we are” as “reasonable, tolerant people.” He also praised Labour MP Jess Asato, who is taking legal action against Musk’s xAI company after its Grok tool helped produce fake sexualised images of her. Starmer’s spokesperson did not specify particular posts from Musk that raised concern, saying the concern was based on the overall tone of his content, particularly over the Nowak case. The Hampshire Police Federation has suspended its social media platforms after “serious threats” against its members, with misidentified officers forced to leave their homes.
What’s reported
Starmer accused Elon Musk of “interfering in our politics” and trying to “whip up division.”
Musk posted about the murder of Henry Nowak, using far-right themes and talking points.
Starmer met Nowak’s family at Downing Street on Thursday and promised to “right the wrongs.”
Nowak was arrested by Hampshire police as he lay dying from stab wounds after a false accusation of racist abuse by the killer.
Starmer praised Labour MP Jess Asato for taking legal action against Musk’s xAI company over fake sexualised images created by Grok.
The Hampshire Police Federation suspended its social media platforms after “serious threats” against members, with misidentified officers forced to leave their homes.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also met Nowak’s family on Thursday.
Eleven police officers and one police dog were injured Tuesday night after crowds including far-right agitators attacked officers in Southampton during a protest about Nowak’s death.
Key figures
Keir Starmer, prime minister
Elon Musk, X owner
Henry Nowak, 18-year-old student murdered
Jess Asato, Labour MP
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader
Vickrum Digwa, killer of Henry Nowak
Rupert Lowe, former Reform UK MP and founder of Restore Britain party
Sources: The Guardian
