Keir Starmer takes aim at Elon Musk as he blasts ‘lies and misinformation’ before swiping at Tories for ‘far right’ attack

Speaking to reporters today as he unveiled a new “relationship between the NHS and the private healthcare sector”, Starmer laid into “the far-right playbook of whipping up intimidation and violence” after repeated questions on Musk’s remarks.

The PM avoided mentioning the X owner by name – instead opting to swipe at the Tories for “tweeting and talking” rather than doing “anything about it” for their 14-year stint in Government.

As expected, Starmer defended his record as Director of Public Prosecutions – pointing to how, in Rochdale, he “brought the first major prosecution of an Asian grooming gang”.

And though he said that “most people are more interested in the NHS than what’s happening on Twitter”, he laid into “lies and misinformation” online.

“Those that are spreading lies and misinformation as far and wide as possible are not interested in victims, they’re interested in themselves,” he said.

“Those cheerleading Tommy Robinson are not interested in justice… Tommy Robinson went to prison for nearly collapsing a grooming gang case.”

Starmer also hit out at “those attacking Jess Phillips”, who Starmer said he was “proud to call a colleague and friend”.

“Jess Phillips has done a thousand times more than they’ve even dreamt about on protecting victims of sexual abuse throughout her entire career,” the Prime Minister said.

When probed on Musk’s call to imprison the Labour Safeguarding Minister, Starmer added: “When the poison of the far-right leads to serious threats, a line has been crossed.”

This is a breaking news story. More to follow…