UK MP Demands End To Aid For Pakistan Over Grooming Gangs, Gets Backing From Elon Musk

Last Updated:January 09, 2025, 00:03 IST

Rupert Lowe's comments come amid ongoing discussions surrounding the UK’s 'Grooming Gangs Scandal', which has drawn significant media attention

British MP Rupert Lowe and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. (AFP file photos)

British MP Rupert Lowe on Wednesday demanded an end to foreign aid to Pakistan in a social media post, a call that was supported by US billionaire Elon Musk.

Lowe, a member of the Reform Party, highlighted the UK’s foreign aid commitment, noting that aid to Pakistan for the year 2023-2024 amounted to £41.5 million and was set to triple to £133 million the following year.

In his post on X, Lowe questioned whether such aid was being effectively used and demanded that all future payments be withheld until Pakistan accepts and imprisons deported Pakistani rapists.

“Foreign aid to Pakistan in 2023/24 was £41.5m, it was set to triple to £133m the following year. An effective use of our money? NO. Every penny of that should be withheld until they accept and imprison the deported Pakistani rapists. I have put that to the Foreign Office," Lowe wrote in his post.

In response, Tesla CEO showed support for Lowe’s call, replying to the post with “Absolutely," expressing his agreement.

Lowe’s comments come amid ongoing discussions surrounding the UK’s ‘Grooming Gangs Scandal’, which has drawn significant media attention.

ALSO READ: What Is UK’s Grooming Gangs Scandal Involving Pakistanis, Why Has Musk Accused PM Starmer? Explained

The scandal involves groups of men, primarily of Pakistani descent, who have been convicted of sexually abusing and raping young girls. The issue has been particularly controversial in the UK, with many accusing certain political figures of not taking strong enough action against the perpetrators.

In addition, Musk has previously slammed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his handling of the grooming gangs issue. He has accused Starmer of being “deeply complicit in the mass rapes" in an attempt to secure votes, stirring further debate over the scandal.

Musk had accused Starmer of failing to take action on the grooming gangs scandal while he was head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) between 2008 and 2013.

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News world UK MP Demands End To Aid For Pakistan Over Grooming Gangs, Gets Backing From Elon Musk