Ed Miliband Warns UK Government on X, Citing Elon Musk as a “Dangerous Influence”

Published: 29 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

In a striking intervention at a fringe event during the Labour Party conference, former Labour leader Ed Miliband suggested that it may be “possible” for the UK government to reconsider its engagement with X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Miliband voiced concerns about the influence of Elon Musk, who purchased the platform in 2022, arguing that Musk is part of a “global network of the far right” that includes figures such as Nigel Farage and other influential billionaires seeking to undermine public rights and freedoms.

Miliband emphasised that the conversation is about more than just online debate. He described Musk as a “dangerous man” whose platform fosters disinformation and allows the proliferation of extremist views. The former Labour leader noted: “He called for the overthrow of our government. He incited violence on our streets. His platform, X, promotes disinformation. He’s a dangerous person.” When asked directly whether this meant the UK government should withdraw from using X, Miliband replied: “It’s possible,” leaving open the question of a formal disengagement.

Miliband’s comments come amid growing scrutiny of Musk’s role in shaping public discourse through X. Critics have highlighted the platform’s repeated failures to curb misinformation, including the amplification of false narratives and the promotion of conspiracy theories. Recently, Musk appeared via video link at a far-right rally in London, organised by the convicted activist Tommy Robinson, where he called for a “change of government” and warned ominously: “Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die, that’s the truth, I think.” The appearance has reignited debate about X’s influence on public safety and democratic processes.

Miliband drew parallels between Musk’s actions and broader global trends, arguing that the platform is part of a coordinated network that undermines democratic values and the rights of citizens. “It’s not just that Nigel Farage wants less workers’ rights and all those things. Even though he poses as something else, he is now part of a global network of the far right, a global network of billionaires like Elon Musk who want to take away people’s rights, take away people’s freedoms, and we need to have that argument,” Miliband said.

The suggestion that the government should reconsider its relationship with X echoes previous calls from other political figures. Last year, Steve Rotheram, Labour mayor of the Liverpool city region, encouraged the public to consider withdrawing from the platform following a series of violent riots in the area. Similarly, several Labour MPs have since left X, citing concerns over the platform’s role in spreading extremism and disinformation.

In addition to his warnings about X, Miliband also addressed the issue of climate denial and political influence by vested economic interests. He criticised the Reform Party for opposing net zero initiatives and promoting fracking, arguing that their position reflects the influence of “massive economic interests” rather than the public good. Miliband emphasised the importance of Labour taking a more assertive stance on renewable energy and climate action, warning that failure to do so could allow reformist or right-wing voices to dominate the debate.

Bill Esterson, chair of the Commons energy committee, joined the discussion, highlighting that public discourse on energy and climate threats is increasingly overshadowed by misinformation. Esterson noted: “I just want to start by talking about the climate threat, because it’s increasingly struck me that we talk about the clean power agenda, we talk about what we’re doing in energy, but we don’t talk as much as we used to [about the climate threat]. I feel that’s perhaps why those who are peddling misinformation and returning to outright climate denial are having traction.”

Miliband also addressed internal Labour dynamics, stating unequivocally that he supports Keir Starmer’s leadership and has no plans to contest for the position himself. When asked about Andy Burnham’s alleged leadership ambitions, Miliband described Burnham as “very talented” but reaffirmed: “I am Keir’s guy. If you are asking a leadership question, I am Keir’s guy.” On his own future within the party, Miliband added, “I don’t know how many times I can say: ‘No, I definitely will not.’”

The remarks underline the ongoing tension within UK politics around digital platforms and their influence on public life. X, under Musk’s ownership, has become a focal point for debates over misinformation, online extremism, and the responsibilities of social media companies in protecting democracy. Miliband’s comments signal that Labour intends to continue scrutinising these platforms while considering potential government action to mitigate their influence.

As concerns over digital misinformation grow, the debate over engagement with X is likely to intensify. Miliband’s framing of Musk as part of a global network intent on restricting freedoms highlights a broader anxiety within political circles about the unchecked power of tech billionaires. With both national security and public trust at stake, the question of whether the UK government should continue its association with X remains a contentious issue.

In conclusion, Miliband’s speech at the Labour conference sends a clear warning: the intersection of far-right networks, billionaires like Elon Musk, and platforms such as X represents a challenge to democratic norms, workers’ rights, and public safety. While no formal government action has yet been announced, the former Labour leader’s intervention underscores the growing scrutiny of social media’s role in political discourse and the urgent need to address its potential harms.