Keir Starmer Is Trying To Stop Kneecap Performing At Glastonbury
Image Credits: PA Media
Keir Starmer Is Trying To Stop Kneecap Performing At Glastonbury
Text: Izzy Copestake
“Arming a fu*king genocide is what’s not appropriate.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing backlash after saying that Belfast rap trio Kneecap should not be performing at Glastonbury this weekend, citing the ongoing court case involving group member Mo Chara.
In an interview with The Sun, Starmer said: “I think we need to come down really clearly on this. 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.”
His comments refer to Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, better known as Mo Chara, who appeared in a London court on Wednesday charged under UK anti-terror laws. He’s accused of displaying support for a proscribed organisation after allegedly draping himself in a Hizbullah flag and shouting “up Hamas, up Hizbullah” during a November gig in Camden. He’s been released on unconditional bail ahead of his next hearing on August 20th.
Kneecap responded quickly and sharply. On Instagram, they shared a screenshot of the article featuring Starmer’s quote with the caption: “Arming a fu*king genocide is what’s not appropriate.”
Among the many responces was one from former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who appeared genuinely shocked by Starmer’s intervention.
“I really thought this was some sort of gag,” he wrote. “It’s the role of artists to be avant garde, inappropriate, challenging, disruptive – from James Joyce to Sex Pistols and Playboy. Politicians really should not try to censor this. If an offence was committed, let the courts decide. In the meantime, the rule of law says the accused is innocent until proven guilty.”
Just day’s after the first hearing and announcement of unconditional bail, Kneecap played in Dublin. Midway through the set, Mo Chara delivered a four-minute speech condemning Israeli actions in Gaza: “Israel are religious fanatics, genocidal fucking scumbags,” he said. “As Irish people, we understand genocide, we understand colonialism… The Irish people need to be on the right side of history.”
It’s not the first time Kneecap have found themselves at the centre of controversy, particularly for their unapologetic pro-Palestine view. But Starmer’s decision to weigh in has touched a nerve, with many seeing it as yet another attempt by British politicians to police Irish art and speech.
Still, if the goal was to quiet them, it’s had the opposite effect. Mo Chara addressed supporters after his court appearance (a crowd that included hundreds wearing “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts and chanting in support.)
“For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday,” he said. “If you can’t be there we’ll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC. We’ll be at Wembley in September.”
The case itself is now before the courts, and Kneecap say they’ll let that process run its course. But the broader political debate over what artists should be allowed to say, and where, particularly on the topic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, is just getting louder.
For now, and in spite of everything, the band’s message is clear: come Saturday, they will still play at Glastonbury.
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