The UK government has labelled as “completely unacceptable” recent remarks made by the Belfast rap group Kneecap, which are said to have incited violence against Members of Parliament and to have expressed solidarity with proscribed terrorist groups. The row has generated widespread criticism across the political divide and calls for legal action and performance bans.
Alleged Incitement to Violence
The dispute involves footage of an event in November 2023, when one of Kneecap members is said to have said, “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” Other video from a 2024 show purportedly has a member of the band praising Hamas and Hezbollah, both terrorist organizations banned in the UK. These comments are currently being reviewed by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit to ascertain whether a criminal investigation is necessary.
Government and Political Response
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office has referred to the remarks as “completely unacceptable,” stressing the need to safeguard democratic institutions from intimidation and threats. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has demanded prosecution of the group, saying, “Kneecap’s terrorist glorification and anti-British intolerance have no place in our society.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has also criticized the comments, pointing out the risks such language presents to public servants and democratic debate.
Calls for Festival Ban
Scottish First Minister John Swinney has added his voice to demands for Kneecap to be taken off the next TRNSMT music festival in Glasgow, describing the band’s previous remarks as “utterly unacceptable” and divisive. Swinney said that the band had “crossed a line,” and called on festival promoters to drop them from the lineup.
Scottish Tory MSP Stephen Kerr seconded this, calling on Glasgow City Council to withdraw the festival’s license in the event Kneecap’s show goes ahead, citing possible legal breaches against hate crime legislation.
International Repercussions
The row has spilled over into the UK, with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin calling on Kneecap to explain their reported backing of Hamas and Hezbollah. Martin made it clear that any endorsement of the two groups would be “unacceptable,” citing their role in terrorist activities, such as the murder of Irish soldier Seán Rooney and attacks on civilians.
In America, the group’s political declarations during the Coachella festival, which involved messages denouncing Israel and the US government, have resulted in them having their US visas revoked and their association with booking agent Independent Artist Group (IAG) being cut.
Earlier Legal Controversy Regarding Funding
This is not the first that Kneecap has had a conflict with the UK government. In 2023, then Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch refused a £14,250 arts grant to the band based on their anti-British political views. Kneecap contested the move, describing it as discriminatory and an invasion of their right to freedom of expression. In November 2024, the High Court in Belfast found in favor of the band, ruling that the government’s denial was “unlawful and procedurally unfair.” Kneecap then donated the grant to two Belfast charities focused on youth development and Irish cultural activities.
Band’s Response
Kneecap have bristled at the recent claims, saying they are victims of an orchestrated smear campaign because of their pro-Palestinian stance. The band and their manager say that they received death threats after the backlash. They are contemplating taking legal action against the controversy.
Public and Personal Appeals
Murdered MP Sir David Amess’s daughter, Katie Amess, has demanded that Kneecap apologize for allegedly calling for violence against politicians. She was shocked and concerned, stressing that this sort of language could encourage violent people. Amess, amid the outcry, said she would be willing to meet with the group in the hope of a solution.
Ongoing Investigations
As the Metropolitan Police continue to evaluate the footage, the UK government has reiterated its opposition to any form of threat or intimidation of elected representatives, highlighting the threats such behavior presents to democracy. The case remains in flux, with possible legal and political consequences for Kneecap and their subsequent interactions.
