Kneecap Glastonbury: Starmer Criticism
- London - Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly criticized the upcoming Glastonbury performance by Irish rap group Kneecap, citing ongoing legal issues involving one of its members.
- Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a Kneecap member, is facing charges under the Terrorism Act.
- Starmer, in an interview, stated he did not believe the group should perform at Glastonbury."This is about the threats that shouldn't be made," Starmer said, adding he would...
Keir Starmer condemns Kneecap‘s Glastonbury performance, sparking a political firestorm. The Irish rap group, already facing scrutiny due to terrorism-related charges against member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, now finds itself at the center of a debate about art, politics, and extremism. Conservative voices, including Kemi Badenoch, urge the BBC to reconsider broadcasting thier set, while Starmer labels the performance “inappropriate.” This evolving situation further complicates the already precarious situation surrounding the band. News Directory 3 has the latest updates. What will happen at Glastonbury? Discover what’s next …
Kneecap’s Glastonbury Performance Sparks Political Criticism
Updated June 23, 2025
London – Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly criticized the upcoming Glastonbury performance by Irish rap group Kneecap, citing ongoing legal issues involving one of its members. The controversy highlights the intersection of music, politics, and terrorism concerns.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a Kneecap member, is facing charges under the Terrorism Act. The charges stem from an incident last November where he allegedly displayed a flag supporting Hezbollah and made related statements at a concert. He was released on unconditional bail and is due back in court Aug. 20.
Starmer, in an interview, stated he did not believe the group should perform at Glastonbury.”This is about the threats that shouldn’t be made,” Starmer said, adding he would not comment extensively due to the pending court case.
Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch echoed Starmer’s sentiments, suggesting the BBC should not broadcast Kneecap’s performance. Badenoch argued that airing the performance would reward extremism, given Ó hAnnaidh’s charges. She previously advocated for banning the group from the festival altogether.
The BBC, as the festival’s broadcast partner, addressed the concerns. A spokesperson stated that while the BBC does not ban artists booked by festival organizers, its programming would adhere to editorial guidelines. Decisions regarding coverage will be made closer to the event.
Despite the controversy, Ó hAnnaidh, performing as Mo Chara, remains defiant. After his court appearance, he told supporters to see Kneecap at Glastonbury and Wembley, while also calling to “free, free Palestine.”
The charges against Ó hAnnaidh followed a counter-terrorism police examination into gig footage allegedly showing the group calling for the deaths of members of Parliament. Kneecap apologized to the families of murdered MPs in April, claiming the footage was “exploited and weaponized.”