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Kneecap’s Glastonbury Performance Sparks Political Storm: Starmer Voices Concerns
London, England – June 23, 2025 – Controversy is swirling around the Belfast rap trio Kneecap, as their scheduled performance at the Glastonbury Festival faces strong opposition from high-profile political figures. Uk Prime minister Keir Starmer has publicly stated that he believes Kneecap’s appearance at the festival is “not appropriate”.
Starmer’s Remarks Follow The Recent Court Appearance Of Kneecap Member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Who Is Facing Charges related to allegedly displaying a flag supporting Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organization, during a gig in November 2024.
Prime Minister Starmer’s Opposition
In a recent interview, Prime Minister Starmer addressed the controversy directly when questioned about Kneecap performing at Glastonbury. “No, I Don’t, And I Think We Need To Come Down Really Clearly On This,” Mr.Starmer stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
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’s Stance
Adding Fuel To The Fire, Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch has also voiced her disapproval of Kneecap’s upcoming performance. Ms. Badenoch publicly stated that the BBC “should not be showing Kneecap propaganda.”
In Her Post On X, Accompanied By An Article Claiming The BBC Had Not Banned The Group, Ms.Badenoch Asserted, “One Kneecap Band Member Is Currently On Bail, Charged under The Terrorism Act.” She Further Argued That “As A Publicly Funded Platform,The BBC Should Not Be Rewarding Extremism.”
Badenoch Has Previously Advocated For Banning The group From Glastonbury. Last Year, Kneecap Successfully Won A Discrimination Case Against The Uk Government In Belfast High Court After Badenoch, Then A Minister, Attempted To Deny Them A £14,250 Funding Award.
Following Their Legal Victory,The Band Donated The award Money To Two Community Groups Situated On Opposite Sides Of The Belfast Peace Line.
Watch: Kneecap’s Mo Chara Tells Dublin Crowd ‘I’m A Free Man!’
