Official statements or actions taken by the UK government or relevant officials

Elon Musk Urges King Charles to Dissolve UK Parliament, Criticizes Starmer and Phillips Over Grooming Gang Scandal

Jan 5, 2025, 08:51 AM

Elon Musk has called for King Charles III to dissolve the UK Parliament and hold a new general election, citing the government's handling of the grooming gang scandal. Musk's criticism targets Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of failing to prosecute these gangs during his tenure as director of public prosecutions from 2008 to 2013. Musk also criticized Jess Phillips, the minister for safeguarding, for rejecting a request for a government-led inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham, suggesting she should resign and be imprisoned. In response, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting described Musk's attack on Phillips as a 'disgraceful smear', defending her record in supporting victims of sexual violence. Streeting also dismissed Musk's claims against Starmer as 'ill-informed' and 'ridiculous', emphasizing their efforts in prosecuting serious crimes before entering politics. The UK government and various officials have condemned Musk's statements as misinformed and detrimental to the focus on victims of the scandal, with concerns raised about the safety of victims amidst the controversy.