In a longer-than-usual tweet, billionaire Elon Musk has drawn a parallel between Tolkien’s fictional hobbits and the residents of the English shires, claiming that “the gentlefolk of the English shires, who don’t realise the horrors that take place far away,” live protected lives only because they are safeguarded by “the hard men of Gondor.” Musk warned that without similar protective measures, the same fate could befall all of England.
The remarks come amidst a spate of recent violent incidents involving foreign nationals in the UK. Over the weekend, Wayne Broadhurst, 49, was tragically stabbed to death while walking his dog in Uxbridge, West London. The attack, which also left two others injured, has been linked to the arrest of a 22-year-old Afghan man who arrived in the UK five years ago via lorry. Police are currently holding the suspect on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
This incident echoes earlier cases of violence involving immigrants, including the horrifying stabbing of 18-year-old student Ellis Wheeler in Southampton in December 2022. Rebaz Mohammed, 28, an Iraqi national who initially entered the UK illegally by boat, attacked Wheeler in Hoglands Park, stabbing him before fleeing. The incident was caught on terrifying footage showing Mohammed pulling a kitchen knife from his coat and plunging it into the innocent teenager’s back, puncturing his lung. Wheeler managed to escape but passed out and was unable to receive immediate medical aid. Mohammed was living in a Bournemouth hotel at the time of the attack and was detained shortly afterward.
Musk’s comments intended to spark debate across the country about immigration and security, with some critics accusing him of stoking fears for political gain, while others argue they highlight a pressing need for stronger border control and law enforcement. The UK government has yet to respond publicly to Musk’s remarks.
Southampton saw one of the largest protests ever in the city over the weekend, as thousands marched to demand the closure of the Highfield House Hotel. For the second week running the protests was disrupted with violence as a bottle containing liquid was thrown from a footbridge at the group marched through St Denys.
