Prime Minister condemns Musk for spreading misinformation; Backlash grows over Starmer’s remarks

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire after accusing tech billionaire Elon Musk of spreading “lies and misinformation” regarding grooming gangs, a subject that has stirred significant debate. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Starmer condemned Musk’s comments, which have been seen as amplifying far-right narratives. Starmer also criticised the previous government’s failure to act on the 2022 report’s recommendations, accusing Conservative politicians calling for a national inquiry of “jumping on the bandwagon.”

Musk’s involvement in the controversy has overshadowed wider political discussions. The Daily Telegraph quotes Starmer as calling out politicians “who sat in government for many years” but now demand inquiries, labelling their actions as opportunistic. His comments have provoked backlash, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accusing him of resorting to “Labour smear tactics” and Tory figures like James Cleverly asserting that Starmer’s remarks could aid extremism.

Meanwhile, the controversy has also led to criticism from various quarters, with some accusing Starmer of being “out of touch” with public concerns. The Daily Mirror’s coverage highlights the ongoing tensions between Starmer and the opposition, while the Daily Mail decries his use of the phrase “far-right” as a smear.

Across Europe, the influence of Elon Musk in political discourse is being scrutinised. The Times reports that European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have condemned Musk’s attempts to sway voters, with officials claiming his actions align with a “new international reactionary movement.”

While the political fallout from the grooming gang debate continues to unfold, Starmer is also facing increased pressure on domestic issues. According to the NHS, the government’s strategy to tackle the NHS backlog includes sending 2.5 million patients to private hospitals, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from Labour supporters.

THE GUARDIAN

Elon Musk has ignited controversy by accusing Keir Starmer and other UK politicians of covering up the grooming scandal, in which gangs of men abused young girls in several towns across England. Musk has claimed Starmer is “complicit” in the scandal, focusing on his role as head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) during the 2009 decision not to prosecute a grooming case in Rochdale. Starmer, however, has denied any wrongdoing, with others, including former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal, defending Starmer’s later efforts to improve CPS handling of grooming cases. Despite inquiries confirming systemic failures, there is no evidence of a cover-up. Musk’s claims, alongside his recent attacks on Starmer and other figures, have sparked political backlash, with some calling for Musk to be sued for defamation. His involvement is seen as part of a broader attempt to influence UK politics, aided by his ties to figures like Nigel Farage and Donald Trump.

THE TELEGRAPH

Keir Starmer’s recent NHS speech, which included plans for a partnership with the private sector, sparked criticism from the Left. His initial refusal to engage with Elon Musk’s social media attacks was seen as a positive move, focusing on policy. However, when pressed by the media, Starmer reacted angrily, defending his record on the grooming scandal and attacking critics, including Musk. By framing those questioning the government’s handling of grooming gangs as aligned with the “far Right,” Starmer risks alienating public opinion, especially those demanding justice for victims. The Prime Minister’s strategy of deflection is seen as a dangerous misstep, as it shifts the focus from accountability to political infighting.