Elon Musk's recent support for a far-right rally in London and his broader sympathies with Europe's insurgent right-wing parties reflect a controversial stance on demographic and political issues, raising concerns about his influence and the implications for European politics.
A large rally in London organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson drew over 110,000 people, leading to clashes with police and counterprotesters, with injuries and arrests reported. The event focused on anti-migrant rhetoric and nationalism, amid ongoing UK debates over immigration.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has criticized a pro-Palestinian rally scheduled to take place in London, calling it "provocative and disrespectful." Despite pleas from Sunak and the London Metropolitan Police to postpone the demonstration, organizers have resisted. Tens of thousands of people are expected to demand a ceasefire in the month-long Israel-Hamas conflict at the protest. The UK police chief has stated that the rally does not meet the threshold for a government order to stop it, but ministers in the government have suggested the commissioner reconsider. London has seen large demonstrations for four consecutive weekends since the Hamas attacks in southern Israel, with Israel reporting 1,400 deaths, mostly civilians, and Gaza reporting over 10,550 deaths.
A London rally in support of the SAG-AFTRA strike was organized by the U.K. actors union Equity, with an impressive lineup of British and U.K.-based stars attending, including Brian Cox, David Oyelowo, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Imelda Staunton, and Jim Carter. U.S. expat Rob Delaney acted as the compere and expressed confidence in the actors' ability to win the fight. Equity chief Paul W. Fleming declared the union's solidarity with SAG-AFTRA but noted the limitations imposed by the U.K.'s anti-strike legislation, which prevents them from calling for a sympathy strike.