‘PM and Musk spat continues’ & ‘NHS reset’

The ongoing spat between the prime minister and Elon Musk continues to dominate the UK news cycle this Tuesday morning. 

Musk has launched a slew of attacks on the PM in recent days, accusing him of being “complicit in the crimes” of child sex offenders as he called for a national investigation into child sexual abuse. 

It’s unclear why Musk – a US national who does not live in Britain- has become obsessed with British (and European) politics in recent months. The billionaire has been accused of meddling in foreign politics and spreading misinformation via his social media site X/Twitter. 

The story appears on the front pages of The Guardian, Mirror, Telegraph, and Financial Times, while the Mail and Express express their opinions on PM Starmer’s comments regarding an inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal.

Several other papers use the ongoing Musk row to call for the American tech billionaire to stay out of foreign politics, while others suggest the row has overshadowed the PM’s big announcement on the NHS. 

Regardless of the angle the papers take, Musk has exactly what he wants – he’s on the front splash of almost all the national papers this morning!

‘PM and Musk spat continues’

‘PM accuses Musk of spreading “lies and misinformation,’ reports The Guardian.

The Guardian leads with the prime minister’s comments to reports on Monday. He accused Musk of spreading “lies and misinformation” on the issue and of amplifying the “poison” of the far right. The paper highlights the prime minister’s criticism of the last government for not implementing the recommendations of a major report which concluded in 2022 and accused Tory politicians who are now calling for a national inquiry of “jumping on the bandwagon.”

‘PM warns Musk is putting politicians at risk and says Musk isn’t interested in the victims,’ notes the Mirror.

The Mirror says Sir Kier Starmer has warned that Musk’s comments are putting politicians at risk and said those criticising the government were “not interested in the victims.” “Starmer blasts Musk”, reads the headline. Sir Keir is quoted as saying that “a line has been crossed” in the rhetoric being directed at members of the government.

‘PM took Musk to task over his lies,’ reports the FT.

The Financial Times says the prime minister took Mr Musk “to task” over his “lies and misinformation” about grooming gangs.

‘PM’s condemnation part of growing chorus from European leaders,’ says The Guardian.

The Guardian notes Sir Keir’s condemnation of Musk is part of a “growing chorus” from European leaders. 

‘European leaders are rounding on Musk for his interference in overseas politics,’ reports The Times.

The Times suggests European leaders have rounded on Musk for his constant interference in overseas politics. The paper quotes French President Emmanuel Macron saying that the “owner of one of the largest social networks in the world” was supporting a “new international reactionary movement”, and a spokesperson for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz saying that “decent people” were in the majority in Germany and would not be swayed by Musk’s “untruths”.

But the prime minister is also facing criticism for his comments. 

‘PM’s comments triggers backlash from Tories,’ reports the Mail.

The Daily Mail says he “triggered a furious backlash” after claiming Tory demands for a grooming gangs inquiry were “amplifying what the far-right are saying.” 

‘It’s outrageous for the PM to level these accusations,’ says the Telegraph.

The Telegraph says it’s “outrageous” for the PM to “level such accusations.” But a No 10 spokesperson tells the paper that the PM was criticising the Tories who declined to hold an inquiry while they were in office. 

‘Farage accuses PM of trying to sweep past failures,’ reports the Express.

Reform leader Nigel Farage takes to the Express to accuse the PM of “trying to sweep the past failures of the establishment under the carpet” by denying calls for an inquiry.

‘Row overshadowing NHS reset’

‘The row has overshadowed the government’s announcement on the NHS,’ says Metro.

Metro reports the spat between the pair has “overshadowed” the government’s announcements of its NHS waiting lists plan and how it will tackle the backlog.

‘The plans to cut waiting times are promising,’ says The Sun.

The Sun says the plans to cut waiting times are “promising if limited” whilst the Mail applauds the “pragmatism” of the government’s decision to use private providers to reduce waits. 

‘There are still huge challenges ahead including the workforce shortages,’ warns the i.

But the I warns there are still “huge challenges”, namely the “perennial” winter crisis in hospitals, workforce shortages, and a social care plan that is at least three years from the introduction.

‘Justin Trudeau quits’ 

Many of the newspaper front pages feature pictures of the Canadian Prime Minister, who announced he will step down from the role after nine years. 

‘His charm couldn’t save him,’ says The Guardian.

The Daily Telegraph says “Tearful Trudeau bows out,” the Guardian says “Boyish charisma was not enough to reassure Canadians facing huge jumps in housing and grocery prices”.

‘Trump’s re-election highlighted his weakened position,’ claims The Times.

The Times says Trump’s victory “brought into focus Trudeau’s weakened position,” with the prospect of blanket 25% tariffs on Canadian goods.