Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper has demanded the Security Services investigate allegations that tech billionaire Elon Musk is funding far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s legal costs, sparking a heated exchange at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.
The intervention comes as Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, faces trial for allegedly refusing to comply with counter-terrorism police powers, with the 42-year-old claiming his defence costs are being covered by the Tesla and X owner. The controversial activist’s verdict has been delayed until 4 November to accommodate his official visit to Israel as a guest of the Netanyahu government.
Ms Cooper told the Commons: “On Monday, the far-right, racist hate-preacher Tommy Robinson, who is currently on trial for allegedly refusing to comply with counter-terror police, claimed that his legal costs are being paid by Elon Musk.” The Liberal Democrat MP argued such financial backing from someone with significant control over online information represented a serious threat to British democracy.
Prime Minister Responds to Security Concerns
Sir Keir Starmer revealed his Labour Government continues monitoring potential threats to democracy, stating: “I can tell her we do look across the board at threats to our democracy and must continue to do so.” However, the Prime Minister stopped short of committing to a specific investigation, citing ongoing legal proceedings against Robinson.
The Liberal Democrat deputy leader pressed further, asking: “So will the Prime Minister commission the Security Services to assess the threat that Elon Musk poses to our democracy and recommend measures to this house that we can take to stop it?” Her intervention reflects growing concerns amongst British politicians about foreign interference in domestic politics, particularly from wealthy tech executives.
The exchange at Westminster comes amid heightened tensions between the British government and Musk, who has repeatedly criticised Sir Keir’s administration on his social media platform X. In recent weeks, Musk labelled Britain a “tyrannical police state” whilst endorsing calls for fresh elections and boosting content from Robinson.
Trial Delayed for Israel Visit
Robinson’s terrorism-related trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court took an unexpected turn this week when proceedings were postponed to accommodate his travel to Israel. He is a guest of the Israeli Government in Israel tomorrow,” Robinson’s barrister Alisdair Williamson KC told the court, with District Judge Sam Goozee agreeing to “accommodate” the defendant’s “current travel arrangements” by adjourning the verdict until November 4.
The former English Defence League founder faces charges under the Terrorism Act for allegedly refusing to provide police with his mobile phone passcode during a stop at the Channel Tunnel in July 2024. If found guilty, the charge carries a potential jail sentence of up to three months and/or a fine of £2,500.
Robinson claimed he refused to unlock his device to protect “journalistic material” on the phone, pleading not guilty to the charges. His legal team argued officers took a “discriminatory stance” based on his political views.
Controversial Israeli Invitation Sparks Backlash
The invitation to Israel has triggered fierce criticism from British Jewish community leaders. The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council condemned Robinson as “a thug who represents the very worst of Britain,” stating his visit “undermines those genuinely working to tackle Islamist extremism and foster community cohesion.”
Israel’s Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli, who extended the invitation, described Robinson as “a courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam,” saying he would be “proud to host” the activist “on behalf of the State of Israel.” The minister’s decision has exposed divisions within both Israeli politics and the British Jewish community.
Chikli responded to criticism by accusing the Board of Deputies of having “become first and foremost a political organisation – openly aligned with left-wing, woke, pro-Palestinian parties.” Several prominent pro-Israel voices have since called on the Israeli minister to withdraw his inflammatory comments.
Unite the Kingdom Rally Draws Massive Crowds
The PMQs exchange follows Robinson’s controversial Unite the Kingdom demonstration in central London last month, which drew unprecedented numbers for a far-right rally in recent British history. Metropolitan Police recorded between 110,000 and 150,000 attendees, with 23 arrests made during the event.
The rally turned violent when some protesters threw bottles and projectiles at police officers, leaving 26 officers injured, four seriously hurt with injuries including broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and head injuries. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the violence, warning that anyone involved in criminal activity would face “the full force of the law.
The demonstration featured a surprise appearance from Musk via videolink, addressing the crowds on Whitehall alongside speeches from Robinson and various European far-right politicians. A counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism drew approximately 5,000 participants, with police deploying over 1,500 officers to keep the opposing groups separated.
Musk’s Growing Influence in British Politics
The tech billionaire’s interventions in British politics have intensified significantly over recent months. In January 2025, Musk called for Robinson’s release from an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court, describing him as a political prisoner and demanding British authorities “free Tommy Robinson.”
Robinson’s follower count on X has grown from approximately 600,000 in June 2024 to 1.6 million a year later, with Musk personally promoting him on his own account since August last year. The billionaire’s support coincided with anti-immigration riots in Southport and continued through various controversial episodes.
Musk has also targeted government minister Jess Phillips, saying she “deserves to be in prison,” and repeatedly criticised the government’s response to grooming gangs, questioning Sir Keir’s record as former Director of Public Prosecutions. His posts have prompted Downing Street to describe some of his comments as “abhorrent.”
The controversy extends beyond Robinson, with Musk recently endorsing Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party and reportedly considering donations to Reform UK. His political interventions have led to accusations from European governments of attempting to influence democratic elections.
Government Response and Wider Implications
The Prime Minister’s measured response at PMQs reflects the delicate balance the government must strike in addressing potential foreign interference whilst maintaining diplomatic relations with the incoming Trump administration, where Musk serves as a key adviser.
Plans to block foreign political donations were reportedly cancelled earlier this year following an intervention from Labour mega-donor Lord Alli, complicating efforts to address concerns about external funding of British political movements. The government faces increasing pressure to clarify its position on wealthy foreign nationals attempting to influence domestic politics through social media platforms and financial support.
Robinson’s claim about Musk covering his legal fees adds another dimension to concerns about foreign funding of far-right movements in Britain. The allegation that Robinson’s legal fees have been paid by the billionaire raises questions about transparency in political funding and the influence of tech oligarchs on democratic processes.
As Robinson prepares for his verdict in November following his Israel trip, the controversy surrounding his funding and support continues to highlight tensions between free speech advocacy, counter-extremism efforts, and concerns about foreign interference in British democracy.
The Liberal Democrats have indicated they will continue pressing for greater scrutiny of Musk’s activities in Britain, with Deputy Leader Cooper warning about the dangers of allowing those who control information flows to fund extremist movements. The party argues that treating such threats seriously is essential for protecting democratic institutions from external manipulation.
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