The tech mogul’s criticism of the Labour leadership is met with a firm rebuttal from the Prime Minister’s office.
Downing Street has firmly rejected Elon Musk’s recent claim that the UK under Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership is no longer an attractive destination for investment. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO suggested that “very few companies” would be inclined to invest in the UK under the current administration, following discussions about establishing a new electric vehicle plant in Scotland.
In response to Musk’s comments, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson emphasised the government’s strong commitment to economic growth. The spokesperson stated: “Since the election, the UK has secured an additional £63 billion in investment, reflecting the Government’s pro-business and pro-growth stance.”
The official added that the government has prioritised political and economic stability, addressing businesses’ key concerns in the process. “We have an unashamedly pro-growth approach to government,” they stressed, distancing the government from Musk’s critique while avoiding further confrontation.
Musk’s remarks came after discussions around building a Tesla manufacturing plant in Scotland, which he dismissed as unlikely due to the current political climate. While the tech mogul has openly criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour leadership, his stance is also influenced by his political affiliations. Musk has been known to have ties with former US President Donald Trump and his allies, including the UK’s Reform Party, led by Nigel Farage.
The billionaire’s relationship with the UK government has been rocky in recent months. In September, Musk publicly condemned the UK government’s decision to exclude him from a key investment summit, reportedly due to his controversial social media activity. During the summer riots, Musk engaged with posts from far-right figure Tommy Robinson and made provocative statements, including retweeting a fabricated headline about rioters being sent to detention camps.
Despite their differences, Musk had been welcomed by the UK government earlier in 2023, when he attended an AI safety summit as a guest of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, where he engaged in discussions on artificial intelligence.
Downing Street, however, chose not to escalate the situation, instead focusing on the positive investment trajectory since the election. The government’s response underscores its determination to maintain a stable, business-friendly environment, while avoiding a direct clash with the high-profile entrepreneur.
