Sir Ed Davey has said that Elon Musk “needs to be held to account” for his recent comments about the UK, following the billionaire’s description of the Liberal Democrat leader as a “sniveling cretin.”
Davey condemns Musk’s remarks
Speaking on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News, Sir Ed criticised the Tesla and SpaceX chief for his inflammatory rhetoric, branding him an “over-powerful billionaire US tech magnate.”
The comments come after Mr Musk posted a controversial poll on X, the social media platform he owns, asking whether “America should liberate the people of Britain from their tyrannical government.”
In response, Sir Ed called for the US ambassador to be summoned “to ask why an incoming US official is suggesting the UK government should be overthrown.”
Mr Musk, recently appointed by Donald Trump to lead the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), responded to Sir Ed’s criticism by calling him a “sniveling cretin” in a post on X.
Concerns over Musk’s influence in US politics
When asked about Mr Musk’s insult, Sir Ed dismissed the personal attack but warned of the wider implications of Musk’s growing influence in American politics.
“I’ve been in politics long enough to know that there are insults made, and I’m sometimes not always complimentary about people like Elon Musk,” he said.
“However, the real issue of substance is that Elon Musk said that the British government, elected by the British people just a few months ago, should be overthrown.
“That’s what he said, and he’s now in the administration in America, he’s sort of camped out in Trump’s Oval Office, and I think that’s a real matter of concern.”
The Liberal Democrat leader’s comments highlight growing fears about Mr Musk’s role in shaping US policy, particularly as a key ally of former President Donald Trump.
Musk’s ongoing criticism of the UK
This is not the first time Elon Musk has taken aim at British politicians. He has repeatedly used X to attack Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and has expressed support for jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Additionally, Mr Musk has targeted safeguarding minister Jess Phillips over her stance on historical grooming gang cases, further stoking political tensions.
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Sir Ed warned that Musk’s interventions in UK politics were not just inflammatory but also dangerous, given his platform’s reach and his political connections.
“Britain, through our ambassadors, through our government relations, need to call him out.
“I repeat, I think Elon Musk needs to be held to account.”
Calls for regulation of social media algorithms
Beyond Musk’s personal attacks and political remarks, Sir Ed Davey has also reiterated his call for stricter regulations on social media algorithms.
He pointed to last summer’s disorder in parts of the UK, suggesting that posts on X played a role in inciting unrest. The Liberal Democrats have been pushing for greater oversight of online platforms, arguing that tech giants like Musk should be held responsible for the consequences of their content moderation policies.
While Elon Musk continues to position himself as a vocal critic of the UK government, Sir Ed’s comments reflect a growing demand for accountability from global tech leaders who wield significant political influence.
With Musk now a figure in Trump’s political orbit, the tensions between him and British politicians are unlikely to subside anytime soon.
