Edited by maklukpenggoda at 12-8-2024 08:08 AM
Sir Keir Starmer has become embroiled in a war of words with Elon Musk, after the tech billionaire suggested that "civil war is inevitable" following violent unrest in the UK.
The owner of X, formerly Twitter, posted the remarks on the platform in response to a video showing people aiming fireworks at police.
The prime minister's spokesperson said there was "no justification" for Mr Musk's comments, adding there was more that social media companies "can and should be doing".
Mr Musk then replied to a post on X from the prime minister - in which Sir Keir said he would not tolerate attacks on mosques or Muslim communities - asking: "Shouldn't you be concerned about attacks on *all* communities?"
Mr Musk also shared a video of a person purportedly being arrested for offensive comments online, asking: "Is this Britain or the Soviet Union?"
He also replied to a post criticising UK policing, suggesting the police's response "does seem one-sided".
The Prime Minister said that there will be "substantive sentencing" for some rioters by the end of the weekend and said "to anybody involved, either directly or online, you're likely to be dealt with within a week".
When asked about comments from Mr Musk, Sir Keir said "my focus is on ensuring our communities are safe. That is my sole focus. I think it's very important for us all to support the police in what they're doing".
Justice Minister Heidi Alexander has also weighed in against Mr Musk, who has a long history of making controversial remarks online, for his "totally unjustifiable" and "pretty deplorable" comments.
Disorder has now lasted almost a week, following the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport. The subsequent unrest in towns and cities across England and in parts of Northern Ireland has been fuelled by misinformation online, the far-right and anti-immigration sentiment.
BBC
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