The UK government’s decision not to invite Elon Musk to a recent investment summit has stirred controversy.
- Technology Secretary Peter Kyle explained that Musk generally avoids such events, suggesting this as the reason for his absence.
- Previously, it was speculated that Musk’s exclusion was due to controversial social media comments about the UK.
- Musk criticised the UK government on X for releasing convicted paedophiles while imprisoning people for social media posts.
- Despite Musk’s absence, the summit saw major commitments, including £20 billion from Macquarie into the UK.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle addressed concerns regarding Elon Musk’s absence from the government’s international investment summit, affirming Musk’s usual tendency to avoid such gatherings. This explanation seeks to dispel rumours of Musk being deliberately excluded due to previous controversial remarks.
Musk had earlier taken to X, expressing dissatisfaction with the UK government, particularly criticising its judicial actions. His comment, “I don’t think anyone should go to the UK when they’re releasing convicted paedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts,” highlights his disapproval.
Kyle told Times Radio that Musk had not participated in any of the past summits hosted by previous governments either. This pattern of absence was presented as evidence contradicting the theories of intentional omission due to political tensions.
In an interaction with Sky News, Kyle further denied allegations that Musk was excluded because of derogatory remarks about the Prime Minister, noting that there was a readiness to engage with Musk regarding prospective global investments if opportunities arise.
The Summit witnessed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s commitment to easing bureaucratic hurdles to attract more investments into the UK. Notable pledges included Australian company Macquarie’s massive investment plan, contributing to a potential £50 billion in total commitments.
Prominent figures such as Larry Fink, Eric Schmidt, Gareth Southgate, and Amanda Blanc were among the influential speakers, underscoring the summit’s atmosphere of significant economic promise and collaboration.
The UK government’s stance suggests Musk’s absence was not due to controversy but rather his usual avoidance of such events, amid substantial investment commitments at the summit.
