Far right riots: government in contact with X amidst Elon Musk ‘civil war’ comments

It comes as Mr Musk, the owner and richest man in the world, has engaged in a war of words with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on X/Twitter.

The billionaire said that a civil war in the UK is “inevitable” and wrote “TwoTierKeir” in reference to claims that religious groups are being policed differently.

Mr Murray said that Mr Musk’s comments were “unjustifiable” and that X/Twitter must play “its role in stopping the spread of disinformation and inflaming tensions”.

Since taking over the company, the Tesla boss reinstated EDL founder Tommy Robinson on the platform and has frequently retweeted far right tropes about Muslims.

Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been posting videos of the riots from a hotel in Cyprus.

Mr Murray said police were investigating people abroad as well as in the UK: “You cannot hide just by being online.

“If you are instigating or whipping up violence online, you will be tracked down and appropriate charges will be brought if you have committed offences online as well as in person.

“That would apply to people who are doing it from overseas, as well as in the UK.”

The Treasury minister said he hoped that swift justice for rioters would deter would-be thugs.

“We want to make sure people are very clear that if they are involved or thinking of getting involved, they will face swift justice if they do so,” he added.

More people were brought in front of the courts yesterday charged with various offences amidst the riots.

Liam Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Bradford, cried as he pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Manchester on Saturday.

Laura Peers, prosecuting, said a “large group of far-right protesters” were seen engaging in an “altercation with one black male”, which was filmed by members of the group and uploaded on social media.

The prosecutor said the footage showed “a black male being confronted by a large group of white males”.

Ms Peers said Ryan had “played an active role in the disorder”, adding: “He was seen on the footage aiming a punch towards the male involved.”

Jake Turton, 38, was refused bail when he appeared at Sheffield Magistrates Court after he was charged in connection with the rioting in Rotherham at the weekend.

Turton, of Darfield, Barnsley, is accused of driving a Ford Ranger pick-up truck to the Holiday Inn Express, in Manvers, from which those involved in the disorder took wood and other debris to use as weapons against the police.

District Judge James Gould heard how the whole alleged incident was caught on video by a police helicopter.

Turton denied violent disorder, taking a vehicle without consent and having no insurance.

As he left the dock, one of his supporters in court shouted “keep it up” and Turton replied “See you in a bit, lads”, with a thumbs-up signs.