Ed Davey calls on the Government to block Tesla contracts after Elon Musk comments

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has called on the Prime Minister to rule out any future contracts the Government could have with Tesla after Elon Musk told protesters to “fight back or die” and that “violence is coming” at a far-right rally this weekend.

It comes after Ed Davey wrote to Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch calling on them to publicly condemn Musk’s comments.

Contracts have been awarded to Tesla in recent years according to the Government’s contracts finder website. Recent examples of the Government purchasing Tesla cars includes use as traffic officer cars for National Highways.

The Liberal Democrats are also calling on the Government to step in and block Tesla’s application for an energy licence in the UK following Musk’s remarks.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“Elon Musk cannot be allowed to cheer on violence in the UK while enriching himself with British taxpayers’ money. We need to hit him where it hurts, in his pocket.

“The Government needs to block any future contracts with Tesla, and block Elon Musk from being granted a license to supply energy to British homes.

“Ministers should make clear that if you are egging on violence on the streets of the UK, you are not someone we can do business with.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Recent purchases of Tesla cars for National Highways can be found here: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/bc46fa12-4162-44db-848e-70994c950c48

Reporting on Musk’s comments can be found here: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/british-politicians-condemn-elon-musks-comments-anti-migrant-125577695