Downing Street has strongly criticized Elon Musk for his use of what it described as “dangerous and inflammatory” language after the billionaire entrepreneur told a crowd of demonstrators in London that “violence is coming” and “you either fight back or you die.”
Musk, the owner of the social media platform X, appeared via video link at Saturday’s rally, where violent clashes left 26 police officers injured. His conversation with activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known widely as Tommy Robinson, was broadcast to thousands who gathered in what is being called one of the largest nationalist demonstrations in Britain in decades.
The scale of the event has prompted urgent calls for a stronger response from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has been facing pressure from both Labour MPs and anti-fascist organizations to do more to defend diversity and directly confront extremist rhetoric. Police estimated that between 110,000 and 150,000 people attended the rally organized by Robinson. Authorities confirmed that 25 arrests were made as demonstrators hurled abuse and attempted to break through security barriers.
A day after Starmer condemned the intimidation of minorities and urged calm, No 10 moved to sharpen the government’s stance.
Government Spokesperson Denounces Violent Rhetoric
The prime minister’s official spokesperson declared: “The UK is a fair, tolerant and decent country. The last thing the British people want is this sort of dangerous and inflammatory language.” He warned that such remarks posed a real risk of “violence and intimidation on our streets,” adding: “I don’t think the British public will have any truck with that kind of language.”
This is not the first time Musk has intervened in British political debates. He previously used X to criticize Starmer’s government over its handling of grooming gang scandals.
The fallout from Saturday’s rally also drew reactions from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. He described it as “horrendous” that 26 police officers were injured, acknowledging,
“There is no defence of some of the violence used on Saturday. I feared something like that would happen. But I repeat, the vast majority of people that turned up were good, ordinary, decent people.”
Nigel Farage
Pressed about Musk’s remarks, Farage suggested the billionaire should clarify his intent, particularly regarding his use of the word “fight.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting also weighed in, saying he was alarmed by conversations with constituents in Ilford North over the weekend. Many, he said, were openly “questioning whether this country is safe.” Streeting shared a video on Instagram highlighting residents’ fears after the demonstration.
“This community and our country is now their home. To talk to people who are thinking about moving, questioning whether this country is safe, this flag behind me … belongs to all of us, not just some of us.
“I think it’s really important that we all stand together as a community against prejudice, against discrimination, and celebrate and share in what we have in common as proud Brits, people who love this country, love its diversity and think it’s its strength.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting
Starmer himself responded on Sunday, declaring that there would be “no surrender” of the St George’s flag. He insisted the emblem “represents our diverse country” and vowed not to allow people to be “intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.”
Over the weekend, several Labour MPs voiced unease about both the handling of the far-right threat and broader issues within the government. The controversy was further fueled by the dismissal of Britain’s ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, following revelations of links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Critics said the episode reflected deeper problems of leadership.
Rosena Allin-Khan, a former shadow cabinet member, and Helen Hayes, chair of the education select committee, warned that Starmer had only until the crucial May elections to demonstrate his capacity to “fight back.”
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