The shocking assassination of American conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk at a Utah university event has prompted a global outpouring of tributes – and a fresh examination of his outspoken views on British politics. Mr Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA and a staunch ally of Donald Trump, was gunned down on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through right-wing circles.
As investigators hunt for the killer, Kirk’s commentary on Brexit, UK immigration, and the Labour Party under Sir Keir Starmer is being revisited. It reveals a passionate belief in sovereignty from a man who lambasted what he saw as Britain’s post-Brexit decline.
Mr Kirk was an ardent Brexit supporter, viewing the 2016 referendum as a triumphant rebellion against “globalist elites.” In a 2019 Newsweek opinion piece, he wrote: “If Brexit does take place, it will be a resounding victory not only for the British people, but also for those of us in America who believe in the power of the people over the elite.”
He celebrated the UK’s departure from the EU on X (formerly Twitter), posting in 2020: “BREXIT is complete! This is a serious blow to the globalist cartel that wishes harm to America and freedom everywhere.”
Mr Kirk praised Brexit for enabling bilateral trade deals, like potential UK-US pacts, free from “broader multilateral bureaucracies.” He argued the Leave vote was a sacred “democratic mandate,” warning that any dilution would be an “attack on democracy”.
Nevertheless, Mr Kirk grew increasingly critical of Britain’s trajectory, accusing leaders of betraying the referendum. He targeted Starmer’s Labour government for EU deals he deemed contrary to Brexit’s spirit.
In a May 2025 GB News interview, Kirk blasted: “What he’s doing with this Brexit thing… is the ultimate denial of democracy.” He voiced “major fear” for Britain, citing a perceived loss of “cultural, political, and institutional mojo,” including curbs on free speech and elite influence.
Mr Kirk regarded Brexit as a litmus test against “deep state” forces subverting the people’s will.
On immigration, Mr Kirk was scathing about the UK’s policies, arguing mass arrivals eroded national identity without economic benefits.
In a 2024 X post, he cited a think tank report, saying: “Record levels of immigration to the UK are doing nothing to boost economic growth. Instead, new arrivals are just driving up housing costs and putting added stress on the country’s social services.”
He further lamented what he saw as migrants’ reliance on welfare, warning Europeans were “being replaced”.
During UK visits, including a May 2025 Oxford debate, Mr Kirk decried “mass immigration that degrades the existing population,” urging tougher borders akin to his calls for US reform.
Mr Kirk also had sharp barbs for Labour and Starmer, branding the PM a “grooming gang enabler” after Labour MPs voted against probing child rape gangs in January 2025.
Posting on X, he said: “The far-left Labour Party… has just voted against opening up an inquiry into child rape gangs in the UK. Unbelievable. Tragic.”
Following Labour’s landslide general election victory, Mr Kirk blamed “fake conservatives” for paving the way, predicting left-wing dominance without bold opposition.
As the UK grapples with sovereignty, borders, and identity, Mr Kirk’s legacy underscores the transatlantic rift over populism versus progressivism.
