The UK must strengthen its democracy after Elon Musk's family foundation financed far-right activist Tommy Robinson's trip to Russia, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has warned.
Davey condemns Robinson as 'useful idiot'
Davey called Robinson 'a useful idiot for a hostile state' and questioned the motives of a 'so-called British patriot' who travels to Moscow with Putin's associates, funded by a US billionaire. He urged protection of UK democracy from far-right thugs, shady tech figures, and foreign interference.
Musk family foundation funded Moscow visit
Errol Musk, Elon's father, told the Guardian that he brought Robinson to Russia and that the trip was covered by the Musk Foundation, a philanthropic organization founded by Elon Musk and his brother Kimbal. Both men held meetings with Russian business figures. Errol Musk described Robinson as a 'fine young man' who is 'very hotheaded, but at the same time, he's learning.'
Robinson's pro-Russia stance
Robinson appeared in Moscow last month, issuing calls for supporters to protest after a knife attack in Belfast. He shared video from a luxury hotel with Errol Musk. Previously, Robinson had visited Russia, but this time he was more explicit in praising the country, sharing footage of ultra-nationalists rallying in memory of murdered British teenager Henry Nowak. Errol Musk, a Russophile who believes Moscow has a 'genetic advantage' over the West, holds pro-Russian views on Ukraine and has met Vladimir Putin.
Broader context of Russian links with European far-right
The visit coincides with the Kremlin forging ties with European far-right figures. At the same time, Russia hosted influencer Andrew Tate and his brother, who posted footage of themselves firing weapons with the Russian military. UK police stopped Robinson and seized his phones upon his return.
Calls to reconsider use of X
The link has raised questions about UK authorities' continued use of X, owned by Elon Musk. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has stopped using the platform, citing its preference for 'abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate.' Liberal Democrat MP Luke Taylor said Musk is 'hostile to British values' and urged breaking the addiction to his 'hateful algorithm.' Security expert Matthew Ford noted that the owner of X funded a trip to subvert British democracy, questioning how to regulate such interference without validating free-speech arguments.
