Cabinet Minister Lucy Powell has expressed strong opposition to rap group Kneecap performing at the Glastonbury festival, citing widespread disapproval within the House of Commons. The Belfast band is presently under investigation by counter-terrorism police following the circulation of videos featuring apparent calls for the killing of Members of Parliament and declarations of support for extremist organizations.
Footage from a November 2023 show depicts a member of Kneecap making inflammatory remarks such as “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” The band issued an apology to the families of slain MPs, asserting that the footage had been “exploited and weaponized.” Additionally, they denied endorsing Hamas or Hezbollah, both of which are proscribed entities in the UK.
During a session of business questions, Conservative MP Lincoln Jopp raised concerns about Kneecap’s inclusion in the Glastonbury lineup and welcomed the ongoing police inquiry. He urged the Commons Leader to confirm that she and her Cabinet colleagues would abstain from the festival if the band remained on the bill.
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In response, Ms. Powell condemned the “incredibly serious, unacceptable comments” made by the group and emphasized that the entire House denounces them. She deferred the decision about the band’s participation at Glastonbury to the festival organizers while expressing confidence that the sentiments of the House are unmistakably clear.