Elon Musk, the world's richest man and CEO of Tesla, has publicly thrown his weight behind former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe and his newly launched political party, Restore Britain. The party has positioned itself with a hardline stance on immigration, welfare, and national identity, vowing to "reverse" migration and "do things the British way."
From Political Movement to Official Party
Rupert Lowe, now an independent MP representing Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, originally established Restore Britain as a "political movement" after his suspension from Nigel Farage's Reform UK party in March last year. The suspension followed allegations that Lowe physically threatened then party chairman Zia Yusuf, though the Crown Prosecution Service later dropped the case due to insufficient evidence.
Restore Britain has since evolved into an umbrella political party that will collaborate with locally-based candidates who align with its right-wing policies. These policies span migration, welfare reform, taxation, and national identity, aiming to reshape the UK's political landscape.
Musk's Glittering Endorsement
Elon Musk was among the first high-profile figures to endorse the party, posting a supportive message on his X social media platform that garnered over 145,000 likes. "Join Rupert Lowe in Restore Britain, because he is the only one who will actually do it!" Musk wrote, signaling a significant shift in his political allegiances.
This endorsement marks a notable departure from Musk's previous support for Nigel Farage. In January, Musk sensationally turned on Farage, stating he should be removed as leader of Reform UK because he does not "have what it takes." This public fallout underscores Musk's evolving political interests and his backing of Lowe's new venture.
Restore Britain's Policy Platform
Rupert Lowe, a businessman, farmer, and former chairman of Southampton FC, announced the party's launch with a seven-minute campaign video filmed on his farm in Withington, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Dressed in a wax jacket, Lowe emphasized traditional British values, stating, "Hard work, responsibility, effort, duty, stewardship. This is the England I know and this is the England I love."
Lowe lamented "the condition of our country" and asserted there are "no easy fixes." On immigration, he declared that Restore Britain "will not just stop mass immigration, we will reverse it," pledging to detain and deport every illegal migrant. He outlined strict criteria for foreign nationals, stating they must leave if they fail to speak English, live in social housing, claim benefits, refuse to work, fail to integrate, commit crimes, or hate the British way of life.
Additional Policy Proposals
The party's platform extends beyond immigration. Restore Britain promises to "make our communities safe again for women and children," implement a "radical overhaul of welfare," and reduce "suffocating taxes." Lowe also addressed cultural issues, vowing to "resist the relentless creep of radical Islam" by banning the burqa, outlawing Sharia law, blocking cousin marriages, and re-imposing Christian-based rule of law.
In a controversial move, the party would support a ban on halal and kosher slaughter of animals within the UK, reinforcing its commitment to doing things "our way." Lowe stated adamantly, "This is Britain and we will do things our way," highlighting the party's focus on national sovereignty and traditional values.
Political Alignments and Future Prospects
Lowe is expected to stand again for the Great Yarmouth constituency under the banner of Great Yarmouth First, which will become the first party to partner with Restore Britain, as reported by the BBC. This partnership aims to build a coalition of locally-aligned candidates across the UK.
Notably, Conservative former minister Sir Gavin Williamson and Susan Hall, a Tory member of the London Assembly, have served as Restore Britain board members. However, they are understood to be stepping down following the party's evolution into a formal political entity, reflecting the shifting dynamics within right-wing politics.
With Elon Musk's endorsement amplifying its visibility, Restore Britain enters the political arena with a clear, uncompromising message. As the party gains traction, it could influence debates on migration, national identity, and welfare reform in the UK, challenging established political norms and appealing to voters disillusioned with mainstream options.
