LONDON: British Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called out tech mogul Elon Musk for his recent controversial comments on UK politics, labeling them “misjudged and misinformed.”
Musk sparked backlash after accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of neglecting to prosecute “rape gangs” during his tenure as director of public prosecutions. Musk also targeted Jess Phillips, Minister for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls, suggesting she “belongs in prison” for refusing a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham.
Speaking to ITV News, Streeting rebuffed Musk’s claims, emphasizing the UK government’s commitment to tackling child exploitation. “Elon Musk’s criticisms miss the mark,” Streeting said, though he added, “We’re open to working with him. His platform can play a significant role in addressing these serious issues.”
The issue of widespread child exploitation in towns like Rochdale, Rotherham, and Oldham has long been a sensitive topic in the UK. Reports over the past decade revealed systemic failures by police and social workers, who, in some instances, hesitated to act for fear of being labeled racist. Court cases have since convicted dozens of perpetrators, predominantly of South Asian Muslim background, and exposed the vulnerability of mostly white, underage victims.
These scandals have fueled political divisions and provided ammunition for far-right figures, notably extremist Tommy Robinson. Streeting’s remarks signal the government’s willingness to address the crisis but stress the need for informed discourse, urging Musk to “roll up his sleeves” constructively instead of fanning controversy.
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