Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has ignited controversy in the United Kingdom after accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of complicity in the “rape of Britain.” Musk’s remarks, made in a series of incendiary tweets, have reignited debate over the handling of organized child sexual exploitation cases involving predominately Pakistani grooming gangs in the U.K.
Musk accused Starmer, who served as the U.K.’s director of public prosecutions (DPP) from 2008 to 2013, of inadequately prosecuting grooming gangs during his tenure. He also criticized Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips for opposing a government-led inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham, a northern England town, and claimed she “deserves to be in prison.”
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“Starmer was complicit in the RAPE OF BRITAIN when he was head of Crown Prosecution for 6 years,” Musk wrote on social media. “Starmer must go and he must face charges for his complicity in the worst mass crime in the history of Britain.”
Musk’s comments have drawn attention to the long-standing issue of grooming gangs in northern England towns such as Rotherham, Oldham, and Telford. These gangs, primarily composed of men of Pakistani descent, have been accused of targeting young British girls for sexual exploitation. Critics have long argued that investigations and prosecutions were hindered by fears of being labeled Islamophobic.
“The British state has gone to immense lengths to cover it up,” Musk tweeted. “Reports have been blocked and deliberately kept out of the public eye. Any connection with ethnicity, immigration, or Islam was downplayed.”
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Musk also accused Starmer’s Labour Party of running a “two-tiered justice system,” suggesting that the government prioritizes policing online speech over prosecuting rape and violent crime. He further claimed that Labour “opposes a national inquiry on the mass rape of little girls in Britain for one reason only: It will show that they were complicit.”
Prime Minister Starmer addressed the controversy at a press conference Monday, defending his prosecutorial record. He highlighted his role in prosecuting one of the first major grooming gang cases and emphasized reforms implemented under his leadership. Starmer also condemned what he called “lies and misinformation” spread by detractors who are “interested in themselves” rather than justice for victims.
Starmer defended Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, saying she had done “a thousand times more” for victims of sexual abuse than her critics. Phillips recently blocked a motion for a public inquiry into historic sexual abuse in Oldham, arguing that such decisions should rest with local councils.
Musk’s criticism extended beyond the Labour Party. He targeted Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform Party and a prominent Brexit advocate, suggesting he be replaced as party leader. Farage, who has sought to distance his movement from controversial figures like anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson, responded diplomatically.
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“Elon is a remarkable individual, but on this, I am afraid I disagree,” Farage wrote. “My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not right for Reform and I will never sell out my principles.”
Musk has previously called for Robinson’s release, characterizing his imprisonment for contempt of court as politically motivated. This disagreement appears to have strained relations between Musk and Farage, despite Farage previously referring to Musk as a “friend.”
Musk’s remarks have added fuel to debates about immigration, law enforcement, and the handling of grooming gang cases in the U.K. While his statements have drawn praise from some for spotlighting alleged government failures, others have criticized him for oversimplifying complex issues and promoting divisive rhetoric.
This is not Musk’s first foray into international politics. Recently, he commented on German politics, calling the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party “the only hope” for the country, further highlighting his growing influence in global political discourse.
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