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Swinney Calls Musk a 'Malign Influence' as He Weighs Quitting X After London Rally Clashes

The First Minister says he is reassessing his presence on the platform after Musk’s videolink speech to an anti-immigration event that led to arrests.

Overview

  • John Swinney said he is “giving thought” to leaving X and accused Elon Musk of “stirring up tension and animosity” in political debate.
  • Musk addressed the Unite the Kingdom rally in London by videolink and told attendees, “Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you.”
  • The event saw 25 arrests, with the Metropolitan Police reporting 26 officers injured, including four seriously.
  • The Daily Record reports the Scottish Government has halted advertising on X while continuing to buy ads on other platforms.
  • Swinney and senior officials still use X for official communications, and he acknowledged that a boycott or wider restrictions on ministers could backfire as they aim to reach the public.