London — Tech billionaire Elon Musk has sparked controversy after urging the British public to push for sweeping political reforms, calling for what he described as a “revolutionary change” of government. His remarks came during a virtual appearance at a far-right anti-immigration rally held in London on Saturday.
Musk, speaking via video link, addressed attendees in a Q&A with event organizer Tommy Robinson — the polarizing activist and former leader of the English Defence League, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Robinson, a figure long associated with anti-immigration campaigns, framed the rally as a protest against what he claimed were the failures of Britain’s political establishment.
In his comments, Musk criticized the current state of governance in the United Kingdom, claiming it was dominated by “bureaucracy that doesn’t care.” He argued that ordinary citizens should reclaim control of political decision-making.
“There needs to be massive government reform in Britain and the people need to be in charge, not some bureaucracy that doesn’t care,” Musk said, adding that true reform would require significant mobilization.
“We must have revolutionary government change,” he continued. “This really requires everyone to marshal the people, take charge, reform the government, and make sure that you actually have a government that is for the people, by the people.”
The intervention comes at a politically sensitive moment, just days before U.S. President Joe Biden’s state visit to Britain. The UK is still four years away from its next scheduled general election, but Musk’s comments appear to encourage grassroots agitation and could inflame debates over immigration, governance, and national identity.
Musk, the world’s richest man and former adviser to Donald Trump, has previously courted controversy for outspoken political statements, particularly on social media. His latest remarks underline his willingness to involve himself in debates outside the United States, despite their potentially destabilizing implications.
Observers say his appearance alongside Robinson may further strain relations between mainstream politics and populist movements, while also drawing scrutiny over the role of influential tech figures in shaping public discourse.
