UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, responds to Elon Musk’s derogatory remarks and reaffirms his views against the Tesla owner’s interference in British politics.
Sir Ed Davey, after being called a “snivelling cretin” by Elon Musk, promised to continue challenging the tech mogul.
What did Ed Davey say about Elon Musk’s comments on UK politics?
In an interview on Sunday morning with Trevor Phillips, Ed Davey remarked that after his long political career, he is accustomed to insults. He added that he does not always speak favourably about individuals like Elon Musk.
Sir Ed last month posted on X,
“People have had enough of Elon Musk interfering with our country’s democracy when he clearly knows nothing about Britain.”
He continued,
“It’s time to summon the US ambassador to ask why an incoming US official is suggesting the UK government should be overthrown.”
People have had enough of Elon Musk interfering with our country’s democracy when he clearly knows nothing about Britain.
— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) January 6, 2025
It’s time to summon the US ambassador to ask why an incoming US official is suggesting the UK government should be overthrown.
During the interview, the Lib Dem leader pointed out that the main problem is Elon Musk’s comment that the British government, just months in power, should be overthrown.
Mr Davey also stated that, although his views do not align with many of President Donald Trump’s policies, Britain must continue working with the US.
While describing Elon Musk, Sir Ed called him an “overpowered tech mogul,” a close ally of the newly elected US president, and someone who has “established a significant presence in Trump’s Oval Office.”
What did Ed Davey say about the economic benefits of a customs union with the EU?
Labour’s government is facing pressure from the Liberal Democrats to adopt a closer relationship with the EU, calling for a unique customs union with the European Union, similar to Turkey’s existing agreement.
The Lib Dem leader, Ed Davey, has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to instruct the Office for Budget Responsibility to review the economic benefits of an agreement with the EU.
In his letter to Ms Reeves, he stated that voters and the business community must know the advantages of having good relations with the EU.
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, confirmed that the government will not join the customs union, but Keir Starmer wants good economic relations with the EU.
What role has Elon Musk played in the UK’s political landscape after the Labour government’s election?
Since the Labour government took office last July, the tech billionaire, Elon Musk, has voiced his opinions on UK politics multiple times, especially after riots fueled by false information regarding the murder of three young girls in Southport.
Mr Musk criticised Ed Davy on his platform X,
“What exactly do I fail to understand about your failure to stop the mass rape of little girls in Britain, you snivelling cretin?”
What exactly do I fail to understand about your failure to stop the mass rape of little girls in Britain, you sniveling cretin?
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 7, 2025
The close ally of Donald Trump has been very active in UK politics. First, he raised the issue of grooming gangs in the UK after the British safeguarding minister rejected a national inquiry into the Oldham child sexual abuse case. Mr Musk heavily criticized the Labour leader and the safeguarding minister, stating that she “deserves to be in jail.”
Rumours also spread that he was considering a $100 million donation to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, which was later rejected by Mr Farage.