Conservative Social gathering chief Kemi Badenoch has referred to as for the BBC to not broadcast Kneecap’s Glastonbury Competition efficiency subsequent week, citing terrorism prices towards a band member.
In a submit on X, Badenoch acknowledged: “The BBC shouldn’t be exhibiting Kneecap propaganda.
“One Kneecap band member is currently on bail, charged under the Terrorism Act,” she added. “As a publicly funded platform, the BBC should not be rewarding extremism.”
Just some hours later, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed the sentiment of Badenoch in a brand new interview.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh appeared at court docket earlier this month
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When requested by The Solar on Sunday if he thinks Kneecap ought to play at Glastonbury Starmer, stated: “No I don’t.
“I think we need to come down really clearly on this. I won’t say too much, because there’s a court case on, but I don’t think that’s appropriate.”
The political leaders’ feedback adopted Wednesday’s court docket look of Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who faces prices for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag while saying “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a November gig.
Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Courtroom accompanied by bandmates Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, all carrying “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts.
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Kemi Badenoch has referred to as for Glastonbury and the BBC to ditch Kneecap from the line-up
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The 27-year-old was cheered by lots of of supporters outdoors court docket.
Throughout proceedings, the court docket heard he’s “well within his rights” to voice opinions on Israel and Palestine, however the alleged incident on the O2 Discussion board in Kentish City is a “wholly different thing”.
He was launched on unconditional bail till August 20.
The cost adopted a counter-terrorism police investigation after historic footage surfaced, which additionally allegedly reveals the group calling for the deaths of MPs.
This marks the newest conflict between Badenoch and the Belfast rap trio.
Final 12 months, Kneecap gained a discrimination case towards the UK Authorities in Belfast Excessive Courtroom after Badenoch, then a minister, tried to refuse them a £14,250 funding award.
The band has beforehand referred to as for Kneecap to be banned from Glastonbury fully.
Kneecap responded to Badenoch’s actions of their newest single, The Recap, launched earlier than their Vast Awake pageant headline set in Could.
Kneecap are not any strangers to inflicting controversy with their performances
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The observe mocked the politician’s makes an attempt to dam their arts funding and referenced the Conservative Social gathering’s election defeat.
A BBC spokesperson responded: “As the printed companion, the BBC shall be bringing audiences in depth music protection from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the pageant organisers.
“While the BBC doesn’t ban artists, our plans will make sure that our programming will meet our editorial tips.
“Decisions about our output will be made in the lead up to the festival.”
Kneecap band members have been met by hoards of followers at court docket this month
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He concluded: “But most importantly: free, free Palestine.”
