The Guardian view on Elon Musk and UK politics: interference in plain sight | Editorial
GuardianDec 07, 2024
Starmer, Musk Disagree on UK Investment Prospects
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Above: Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister, during the International Investment Summit at the Guildhall in London, UK, on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. Image copyright: Hollie Adams/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
Elon Musk has claimed that "very few companies" would be willing to invest in the UK under the current Labour Government in response to a politician's request for a Tesla gigafactory to be built in Scotland.
Alba Party leader Ash Regan had written to Musk proposing Scotland as a location for a Tesla gigafactory. Musk had previously claimed in 2019 after announcing the construction of a gigafactory in Germany that Brexit had made the UK "too risky" of a location.
In response to the comments, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that while they were "not going to get into commentary on individual comments," the government "looked forward" to working with Pres.-elect Donald Trump and "progress[ing]" UK-US investment.
The Spin
Left narrative
Musk’s meddling in UK politics risks undermining democracy, with his rhetoric and potential financial influence over Reform UK exemplifying the dangers of unchecked foreign interference. Meanwhile, Labour's policies on wage growth, public investment, and sustainable development focus on rebuilding stability and resilience. The future success of the UK must remain dependent on decisions made by elected politicians, and not the whims of billionaires.
Right narrative
With his entrepreneurial success contrasting sharply with the UK's stagnation, Musk's criticism exposes the hard truths of the UK's managed decline and struggle to attract innovation and investment. While the UK needs bold policies instead of missed opportunities to secure its economic future, Labour's hostility towards the world's richest man chooses to risk further setbacks instead of seizing the chance to foster growth.
