Thank you to everyone who got in touch about Elon Musk’s comments at the “Unite The Kingdom” rally and his general interference in British politics. I appreciate this is an unsettling time for many people in the UK with the growing support for Reform UK and mobilization behind far-right figures like Tommy Robinson. I share constituents’ strength of feeling.
At the “Unite The Kingdom” rally on 13 September, billionaire Elon Musk told a crowd of approximately 110,000 people that “violence is going to come to you, you will have no choice. You’re in a fundamental situation here. Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die, that’s the truth, I think.”
While the protest remained largely peaceful, some individuals attacked police officers who were present to maintain order. Twenty-six officers were injured, and 24 protesters were arrested. I believe these individuals should face the full extent of the law.
I am glad the Prime Minister spoke out against Musk’s inflammatory language which incited violence. You can read more here. I, along with other Labour MPs, condemn this kind of behaviour and believe Musk is a dangerous person.
The Government has the authority to ban individuals from the UK if their presence is deemed not conducive to the public good. This power, however, is typically reserved for cases involving matters such as national security, war crimes, or corruption.
When a foreign billionaire uses dangerous and inflammatory language and calls on people to fight against our democracy, I know that this is met by the vast majority with clear and firm rejection. The last thing people want is violence and intimidation on our streets, and I believe the British public will take no notice of such language.
Free speech and the right to protest are fundamental to our democracy, and I strongly support both. However, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and no one should intimidate or infringe upon the freedoms of others.
Furthermore, I reject any intimidation based on background or skin colour. While I support reasonable migration control, expressing concerns must never cross into inciting racial hatred or violence. True patriotism is about pride and unity, not division and fear.
The UK is built on acceptance, diversity, and respect. The St George’s Cross and the Union Jack belong to all of us, and we will not allow them to be used as symbols of fear or division.
If anyone is concerned about hate speech or hate crimes in the local area, please get in touch with my office. I will continue to encourage this Government not to tolerate violence, discrimination or threatening behaviour that leaves people feeling unsafe.
In the 2024 General Election I stood on a manifesto which pledged to “protect democracy by strengthening the rules around donations to political parties”. I take that commitment seriously. The effective regulation of political finance is, in my view, crucial for maintaining public trust in our electoral systems across the UK.
As you may know, in July 2025 the Government unveiled a series of proposals to deliver on this promise. These proposals include measures to boost transparency and accountability in politics such as by closing loopholes that currently allow foreign donors via ‘shell companies’ to influence UK political parties. New requirements on unincorporated associations would mandate checks on donations over £500 to tackle foreign interference and protect UK democracy from those who attempt to undermine it. These changes will form part of an Elections and Democracy Bill, which will be presented to Parliament in due course.
Thank you once again to everyone who contacted me about this issue.