Glastonbury 2025: Keir Starmer calls for ban on Kneecap’s performance, deems it “not appropriate”
The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has called for Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap to be banned from Glastonbury amid their ongoing terror charge.
Kneecap member Mo Chara appeared at the Magistrates Court on 18th June after videos from a 2024 concert show him displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, who are considered a terrorist organisation in the UK. He can also be heard shouting, “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”, and has apologised for making anti-Government comments at shows such as “kill your local MP.” Far Out attended the pro-Kneecap, pro-Palestine protest outside the court, at which Chara received unconditional bail.
Speaking to The Sun, Starmer revealed that he was not pleased that their Glastonbury show would go ahead. When asked if he thought they should perform at the annual festival, Starmer said, “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.”
Conservative party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has agreed with this sentiment, posting on X: “The BBC should not be showing Kneecap propaganda. 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.”
In response to Badenoch’s comments, Kneecap shared her post on X and stated, “Kneecap 2, Badenoch 0.”
This isn’t Badenoch’s first disagreement with Kneecap; in 2024, Kneecap won a discrimination case after Badenoch refused them a £14,250 funding award when she was a minister. They received the money after winning the case and gave it all to charity.
Kneecap have also responded to Starmer’s comments by sharing a screenshot of Starmer’s interview online and writing: “You know what’s ‘not appropriate’ Keir?! Arming a fucking genocide… Fuck The Sun and solidarity with [Palestinian Action].”
Palestinian Action is an activist group that has recently damaged two military aircraft. Starmer is planning to proscribe the group, thereby branding them a terrorist organisation.
Kneecap will perform on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival on June 28th at 4pm. As it stands, the set can be viewed on BBC iPlayer soon after.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.