PM warns anyone inciting online violence to face full force of law after Elon Musk’s ‘civil war’ comments | Politics News

Anyone inciting violence online will face the full force of the law, Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman warned after Elon Musk said “civil war is inevitable” following days of riots in the UK.

Musk, the billionaire owner of X, made the comments on the social media platform beneath a video of protesters setting off fireworks at riot police.

“There is no justification for comments like this,” said Sir Keir’s official spokesman.

“Anyone who incites violence online will face the full force of the law.

“Online platforms have a responsibility.”

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Sir Keir added that he told ministers and police chiefs at an emergency COBRA meeting on Monday morning that “the law applies online”.

“So if you’re inciting violence, it doesn’t matter if it’s online or offline,” he said.

“And therefore, I hope, as with those who participate directly on the streets, that there will be arrests, charges and prosecutions.

“Similarly, anyone who has committed a crime online can expect the same response.”

The Prime Minister’s spokesperson said the government is working with social media platforms to ensure misinformation is removed – but more could be done.

Social media companies have a responsibility to ensure misinformation is removed and will be held accountable, he added.

Technology Minister Peter Kyle said responsibility for harmful content on social media “lies primarily with the individuals and groups who create it”.

“But it is undeniable that social media has provided a platform for this hatred,” he added.

“We have been clear with these companies that they also have a responsibility not to sell harm to those who seek to harm and divide our society, and we are working closely with them to ensure they meet that responsibility.”

More than 400 people have been arrested since the riots began last Tuesday following the arrest of Axel Rudakubana17 years old, accused of the murder of three girls and the attempted murder of 10 others.

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Far-right groups “almost certainly helped by hostile states that fuel disinformation”

Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine and Bebe King, six, died in the knife attack in Southport, north of Liverpool, last Monday.

Online misinformation claims the person detained was a Muslim refugee who arrived in the UK last year via small boat.

Rudakubana was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents before moving to a village near Southport.

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Why did the riots start?

The rumors were fueled by several far-right figures, including Tommy Robinson and Andrew Tate, who posted about them on social media.

Separately, the UK’s reformist leader Nigel Farage questioned whether the police Those who said the attack was not “terrorism-related” were being truthful.

Sir Keir said there is “an army” of specialist police officers on standby to tackle any new violent disorder.

The PM also announced that criminal justice will be “intensified”, with courts opening for longer hours.

He requested that the accused be identified as soon as possible.

Sir Keir added: “Whatever the apparent motivation, this is not protest – it is pure violence and we will not tolerate attacks on mosques or our Muslim communities.”