NEWS
Prime Minister weighs in on Kneecap's Glastonbury performance sparking political debate
22 June 2025
Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap's upcoming performance at Glastonbury Festival has ignited a political firestorm, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stating he believes their appearance is "not appropriate." The controversy stems from a terror charge against band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, relating to the alleged display of a flag supporting Hezbollah at a November gig.
Speaking to The Sun, Starmer commented, "No, I don't [think they should perform], and I think we need to come down really clearly on this... I don't think that's appropriate." His remarks follow similar criticism from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who earlier called for the BBC not to broadcast the group's set, describing it as "propaganda" and arguing that a publicly funded platform "should not be rewarding extremism."
Kneecap swiftly responded to the Prime Minister's comments on social media, using an expletive to accuse him of arming a genocide – a reference to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which Israel vehemently denies.
The BBC, Glastonbury's broadcast partner, issued a statement acknowledging that artists are booked by festival organizers and that while they "don't ban artists," their programming will adhere to editorial guidelines. "Decisions about our output will be made in the lead-up to the festival," a spokesperson confirmed.
This isn't the first time Kneecap has found themselves in political crosshairs. Last year, they successfully won a discrimination case against the UK government after Badenoch, then a minister, attempted to block a funding award for the group. The band even took aim at Badenoch in their recent single, "The Recap," mocking her previous efforts.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, was released on unconditional bail after a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, cheered on by hundreds of supporters. He is due back in court on August 20th. Despite the controversy, Kneecap remains defiant, with Mo Chara urging fans to catch their Glastonbury set this Saturday and reiterating, "free, free Palestine."
Speaking to The Sun, Starmer commented, "No, I don't [think they should perform], and I think we need to come down really clearly on this... I don't think that's appropriate." His remarks follow similar criticism from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who earlier called for the BBC not to broadcast the group's set, describing it as "propaganda" and arguing that a publicly funded platform "should not be rewarding extremism."
Kneecap swiftly responded to the Prime Minister's comments on social media, using an expletive to accuse him of arming a genocide – a reference to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which Israel vehemently denies.
The BBC, Glastonbury's broadcast partner, issued a statement acknowledging that artists are booked by festival organizers and that while they "don't ban artists," their programming will adhere to editorial guidelines. "Decisions about our output will be made in the lead-up to the festival," a spokesperson confirmed.
This isn't the first time Kneecap has found themselves in political crosshairs. Last year, they successfully won a discrimination case against the UK government after Badenoch, then a minister, attempted to block a funding award for the group. The band even took aim at Badenoch in their recent single, "The Recap," mocking her previous efforts.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, was released on unconditional bail after a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, cheered on by hundreds of supporters. He is due back in court on August 20th. Despite the controversy, Kneecap remains defiant, with Mo Chara urging fans to catch their Glastonbury set this Saturday and reiterating, "free, free Palestine."
