The newly appointed Technology Secretary has criticized Elon Musk for allegedly encouraging violence and animosity in the UK.
Liz Kendall, who assumed the role in the recent reshuffle, condemned the Twitter owner for his remarks at a Tommy Robinson rally where he warned of impending violence.
UK politicians, including Keir Starmer, expressed outrage at Musk’s comments urging right-wingers to either fight or face death. Musk, speaking via video link at a London event, emphasized the inevitability of violence and the need to resist.
Ms. Kendall expressed her frustration with Musk’s statements, accusing him of promoting discord and stating that instigating violence and hatred goes against the desires of the British populace.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also criticized Donald Trump and his associates for fueling divisive far-right politics globally in recent times.
In an article for The Guardian coinciding with President Trump’s state visit, Mayor Khan emphasized the importance of unity and denounced fear-mongering tactics.
When asked about Mayor Khan’s views, Ms. Kendall disagreed, attributing the primary responsibility for sowing division to figures like Elon Musk.
She emphasized the need to maintain a good relationship with the US and President Trump for national security reasons amidst global tensions with countries like Russia and Ukraine, as well as for economic benefits.
The US-UK tech deal, announced during President Trump’s visit, was lauded by Ms. Kendall as a positive development that would boost the booming AI sector in Britain and bring about significant advancements in various fields.
The agreement, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear power, is expected to attract substantial investments from the US, promoting job creation and technological advancements in the UK.