Streeting hits back at Elon Musk, saying criticism of UK government is 'misjudged and misinformed'

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hit back at Elon Musk saying his criticism of the UK government is "misjudged and misinformed".

Streeting was asked about Musk's outbursts against the government on X, which have escalated in recent days in response to the government's rejection of requests for an inquiry into grooming gangs.

"Some of the crticisims Elon Musk has made I think are misjudged and certainly misinformed, but we're willing to work with Elon Musk who I think has got a big role to play with his social media platform, to help us tackle this issue", the health secretary told broadcasters.

Streeting called on the owner of the X platform to do more to tackle child sexual exploitation online: "If he wants to work with us and roll his sleeves up, we'd welcome that".

In reference to the grooming gangs scandal that rocked a number of towns across the UK ten years ago, the health secretary also said "political correctness was able to get in the way of going after the perpetrators of these serious crimes."

Streeting promised the Labour government is "not going to let that happen".

Discussion around the government's approach to tackling grooming gangs was sparked online after a letter from the Home Office revealed minister Jess Phillips rejected a request for a government-led inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham.

The government say that's because they support a council-led inquiry, similar to those that have happened in other towns.

Musk amplified the debate when he joined calls for the government to take action on Wednesday, saying Phillips "deserves to be in prison" for her response to Oldham Council.

He also appeared to place blame at the PM's door, as he argued that “rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice” during Starmer's time as director of public prosecutions.

Health Minister Andrew Gwynne also took aim at Musk, saying he “ought to focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic”, in an interview with LBC.

The Conservatives also called for a national inquiry into the UK's "rape gangs scandal", which leader Kemi Badenoch says is "long overdue".

Gwynne accused Badenoch of "jumping on the Elon Musk band-waggon".

In 2022, the then-Conservative government also refused a request for a public inquiry into events in Oldham.

On Thursday, Musk also called on the King to dissolve Parliament, sharing a post that asks if King Charles "should Dissolve Parliament and order a General Election... for the sake and security of the country?", with the comment, "yes".

It is not the first time the social media platform owner has pushed for a new UK election after he shared a petition in November last year calling for another General Election which has now gained over three million signatures.

Musk wrote on X: "The people of Britain have had enough of a tyrannical police state."

At the time, the prime minister told ITV's This Morning, "that's not how it works", in response to the petition.

Musk also called for far-right activist Tommy Robinson to be released from prison on Thursday, with the comment "Free Tommy Robinson!" pinned to the top of his X profile.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed in October for 18 months after he admitted repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee, in breach of an injunction. Robinson admitted ten breaches of a High Court order made in 2021.

An Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse looking at offences between 2010-2014 by multiple organised groups in Rotherham, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Rochdale and Bristol was published in 2022 and described the sexual abuse of children as an "epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake".

However, in November last year, Professor Alexis Jay said she felt “frustrated” that none of the probe’s 20 recommendations had been implemented more than two years after its conclusion.

A Labour spokesman said the government is “working at pace to implement the recommendations” in Professor Jay’s report and is "working urgently to strengthen the law" to ensure these crimes are properly investigated.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.