Starmer Slams Kneecap’s Glastonbury Slot as 'Inappropriate' Amid Terror Charge Controversy

 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the inclusion of Irish rap group Kneecap in this year's Glastonbury Festival line-up, calling their scheduled performance "not appropriate" due to ongoing legal issues surrounding one of the band’s members.

 

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, is currently facing a terrorism-related charge. He appeared in court this week accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag at a performance last November. Hezbollah is a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law. Asked by The Sun if the group should still be allowed to perform at the high-profile music festival, Starmer replied, "No, I don't, and I think we need to come down really clearly on this."

 

He continued: "This is about the threats that shouldn't be made. I won't say too much because there's a court case on, but I don't think that's appropriate."

 

The BBC, which is set to broadcast performances from Glastonbury as the festival’s official media partner, has not yet confirmed whether it will include Kneecap’s set in its coverage. In a statement, the broadcaster said, "We will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. Whilst the BBC doesn't ban artists, our plans will ensure that our programming will meet our editorial guidelines. Decisions about our output will be made in the lead-up to the festival."

 

Kneecap responded to Starmer’s comments on social media, launching a scathing counterattack. "You know what's 'not appropriate' Keir?!" the band wrote, followed by an expletive accusing the prime minister of "arming a genocide". They added, "One Kneecap band member is currently on bail, charged under the Terrorism Act. As a publicly funded platform, the BBC should not be rewarding extremism."

 

The controversy around Kneecap is not new. Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has previously called for the group to be banned from performing at Glastonbury. Last year, Kneecap won a discrimination case against the UK government in Belfast High Court, after Badenoch—then a minister—attempted to block a £14,250 arts funding grant intended for the group.

 

The band, known for its provocative political messaging and use of the Irish language, recently released a single titled The Recap, which takes aim at Badenoch and mocks her unsuccessful attempts to prevent them from receiving arts funding. The track also includes jabs at the Conservative Party’s recent electoral defeats.

 

Kneecap’s reputation as provocateurs has only intensified following Mo Chara’s court appearance. On Wednesday, Ó hAnnaidh arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court wearing a “Free Mo Chara” T-shirt, flanked by his bandmates Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh. The trio were met by a cheering crowd of supporters outside the court.

 

Ó hAnnaidh, who is 27 years old, is due back in court on 20 August for the next stage of proceedings. As the legal case unfolds, the band’s Glastonbury performance remains under intense public and political scrutiny, with questions mounting over whether it should go ahead amid allegations of extremism and the broader debate over freedom of expression in the arts.

 

Related Topics:

Kneecap band member in court facing terror charge

Kneecap Rapper Liam O’Hanna Faces Terrorism Charge Over Hezbollah Flag Display

Irish Rap Group Given 14K by Labour Face Terror police investigation for Pro Hamas Chants

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC  2025-06-24

 

 

What's Starmer on about?

 

Corbyn will probably be dragged on stage to be celebrated by the brainwashed muppets in the crowd. Perhaps Ricky Jones will have some "demands" re. non believers as well? 

 

Kneecap will be treated like heroes by the left wing Demographic that now attends Glastonbury. 

 

I went to Glastonbury in the late 90s a few times , lots of old skool ravers and mostly council estate lads, new age travelers there in those days. . But now it’s all about the money big time and prices are ridiculous. Middle class deluded white Londoners event now 

 

Not forgetting the Elephant in the room ….Has anyone actually  heard Kneecap ?? What a load of <deleted>e . They shouldn’t be there on that strength alone 

If Kneecap sings in Gaelic, then the audience will not understand what they are saying anyway. Problem solved.

49 minutes ago, goldenbrwn1 said:

I went to Glastonbury in the late 90s a few times , lots of old skool ravers and mostly council estate lads, new age travelers there in those days. . But now it’s all about the money big time and prices are ridiculous. Middle class deluded white Londoners event now 

 

Not forgetting the Elephant in the room ….Has anyone actually  heard Kneecap ?? What a load of <deleted>e . They shouldn’t be there on that strength alone 

 

Yep, it was great in the 90's. Lager, weed, bucket hats, the odd pill. 

 

It's for the "right on" Islington set now.

 

Noel Gallagher had it right.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/jul/05/noel-gallagher-oasis-glastonbury-is-woke-political-musicians

 

You're a youngster haha. As an Aussie living in London for a spell (not Earls Court), attended Glastonberry Fayr in 1976 and the more memorable Knebworth Festival with a distinctly cranky Mick Jagger et al coming on stage very late, after 10CC and struggling with sound issues. Magical times.

Just tell multi tier Keir' Gerry Adams is on backing vocals and then Lord Alli will stump up some free tickets🤔 

This year at Glastonbury the guest speakers are members of a proscribed terrorist organisation Palestinian Action; who last weekend did 50 million pounds worth of damage to a fighter bomber. The activists campaigned against Humus, a spread made from chick peas because it was made in Israel.  She has a degree in business studies and speaks with a gratingly posh accent.

44 minutes ago, Donga said:

You're a youngster haha. As an Aussie living in London for a spell (not Earls Court), attended Glastonberry Fayr in 1976 and the more memorable Knebworth Festival with a distinctly cranky Mick Jagger et al coming on stage very late, after 10CC and struggling with sound issues. Magical times.

I was there but I didn't see you.

6 hours ago, goldenbrwn1 said:

I went to Glastonbury in the late 90s a few times , lots of old skool ravers and mostly council estate lads, new age travelers there in those days. . But now it’s all about the money big time and prices are ridiculous. Middle class deluded white Londoners event now 

 

Not forgetting the Elephant in the room ….Has anyone actually  heard Kneecap ?? What a load of <deleted>e . They shouldn’t be there on that strength alone 

Well they do ' Rap Music'...I saw them in that film...

They will probably be allowed to spew out there anti terror nonsense at Glasto  then the next day the headlines will read " why was this allowed " 

1 hour ago, BarraMarra said:

They will probably be allowed to spew out there anti terror nonsense at Glasto  then the next day the headlines will read " why was this allowed " 

And they will become even more famous 😂. The one who wears the tea cozy mask with the Irish colours is well over 40 and prob bums em 

Strange name ....reminds me of another time and a ' streamlined " system of justice 

9 hours ago, Jim Blue said:

Strange name ....reminds me of another time and a ' streamlined " system of justice 

 

Yeah the name does seem to belong to another era.

 

In fairness, it's a bit catchier than a more up to date version, "Labour's 2 tier sentencing guidelines".