LONDON, Sep 14 – Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk declared on Saturday that Britain requires a “revolutionary government change,” making his remarks during a virtual appearance at a far-right anti-immigration rally in London. Musk, known globally for his leadership at Tesla and SpaceX and his ownership of the social media platform X, has increasingly ventured into the political arena, and his latest comments have stirred sharp debate across the United Kingdom.
Speaking through a livestream on a giant screen at the rally organized by controversial figure Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, Musk said Britain’s political system has failed its people and requires sweeping reforms. “Britain requires major reforms, with power placed back in the hands of its citizens instead of being controlled by an indifferent bureaucracy,” Musk said during the Q&A session. He added, “We must have revolutionary government change. This really requires everyone to marshal the people, take charge, reform the government, and make sure that you actually have a government that is for the people, by the people.”
Musk’s remarks came just days ahead of the U.S. president’s anticipated state visit to Britain, although the next general election in the UK is still four years away. His appearance at a rally dominated by anti-immigration rhetoric marked a dramatic escalation of his involvement in British politics.
The billionaire has been making provocative comments about Britain for some time. During last year’s violent anti-immigration riots, Musk wrote on X that a “civil war is inevitable,” sparking criticism from mainstream politicians and commentators. Earlier this year, he accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of criminal wrongdoing, saying Starmer “should be in prison” while resurfacing an old scandal involving historic child sexual abuse cases in parts of England.
For a period, Musk aligned himself with Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, a populist party seeking to challenge the Conservatives and Labour. However, their relationship soured earlier this year when Farage refused to back Musk’s outspoken support for Robinson. Robinson, the founder of the now-defunct English Defence League, has a long history of clashes with the law, including a jail sentence for contempt of court after spreading false claims about a Syrian refugee.
Musk’s rhetoric at Saturday’s rally was particularly incendiary. Addressing tens of thousands gathered in London, he warned that “violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die.” He also referred to the recent killing of American political activist Charlie Kirk, claiming that “people on the left” openly celebrated the death. “The left is the party of murder and celebrating murder,” Musk declared, drawing applause from the crowd but condemnation from government officials.
Peter Kyle, Britain’s Business Secretary, dismissed Musk’s intervention as “slightly incomprehensible” and “totally inappropriate” during an interview with the BBC. Nevertheless, Kyle acknowledged that the turnout at the rally, which police estimated to be between 110,000 and 150,000 people, was evidence of public discontent over immigration and related issues. “These moments serve as loud warnings for those of us in public life to work harder at tackling the major issues people across the nation are facing,” Kyle stated. He also emphasized that the demonstration was proof that free speech remains “alive and well in this country.”
The protest, however, descended into violence. According to the Metropolitan Police Service, 24 people were arrested and 26 officers were injured, including four who sustained serious injuries. The injuries ranged from broken teeth and a possible broken nose to concussions and spinal damage. Authorities condemned the attacks on officers, vowing to ensure that Britain’s streets remain safe.
Prime Minister Starmer weighed in on Sunday, posting on X that “we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the color of their skin.” He went on to say, “Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity and respect. Our flag represents our diverse country and we will never surrender it to those that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.”
The protest highlighted the growing divide in British society over immigration and governance. While Robinson’s supporters rallied behind Musk’s combative language, mainstream political leaders warned that such rhetoric risked fueling further unrest. Musk’s decision to align himself with Robinson, a deeply polarizing figure, signals a new chapter in his political activism that extends far beyond his business ventures.
Musk’s critics argue that his comments have the potential to destabilize a country already grappling with economic challenges, cultural tensions, and debates over Britain’s place in the world. His supporters, on the other hand, view him as a truth-teller unafraid to confront what they believe is a corrupt political establishment.