Ed Davey Urges Government to Block Elon Musk’s Tesla from Supplying UK Home Energy

Published: 22 August 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has called on the UK government to block Elon Musk’s Tesla from supplying electricity to British homes, citing national security concerns. Davey warned that granting the electric car and clean energy company a licence to enter the domestic energy market would be “a gravely concerning move” given Musk’s history of political interference in the UK.

Tesla applied in July for a licence to supply energy to households, which, if approved by the regulator Ofgem, would place the US company in direct competition with established UK energy providers such as British Gas and Octopus Energy as early as next year.

In a letter to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Davey highlighted Musk’s social media posts following the deadly mass stabbing in Southport last summer, during which he appeared to endorse violent riots and described the UK as a “tyrannical police state.” Musk also expressed sympathy for far-right activist Tommy Robinson, raising further concerns about his influence and intentions in Britain.

Reports have indicated that the Home Office’s homeland security division has monitored Musk’s online activity as a potential security threat. Davey also cited media reports linking Musk with Russian President Vladimir Putin and pointed to his management of the Starlink satellite service, including the temporary interruption of internet coverage in parts of Ukraine during a critical stage of the conflict, as evidence of recklessness in controlling critical infrastructure.

“Allowing Tesla into the British energy market would be a security, as well as a diplomatic, disaster,” Davey said, urging ministers to review the application under national security legislation. Ofgem’s deadline for considering public feedback on the licence application is Friday, 22 August, with more than 8,000 objections submitted through a campaign led by Best for Britain.

Tesla’s reputation in Europe has suffered in recent months due to backlash over Musk’s political statements and rising competition from other electric vehicle manufacturers, including China’s BYD.

Davey concluded: “Elon Musk has shown time and again he’s no friend of the UK – whether it’s claiming that civil war here is inevitable or peddling misinformation to millions. The energy secretary should put the national interest first and use his powers to block this licence. Failing to act would suggest the government prioritises appeasing Elon Musk over safeguarding Britain’s security.”

Both Tesla Europe and Ofgem were contacted for comment, while the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero declined to provide a statement.