GLASTONBURY, UK — UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has denounced what he called “appalling hate speech” by British punk duo Bob Vylan, after the group’s frontman led chants of “free Palestine” and “death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces)” during a Glastonbury Festival performance.
The BBC, which aired the Saturday performance live, is facing mounting criticism for broadcasting the controversial set. In response, it has removed the performance from iPlayer, issuing an on-screen warning during the broadcast about “very strong and discriminatory language”.
“There is no excuse for this kind of appalling hate speech,” Starmer said, adding that no performer should be “given a platform to incite violence”.
The backlash also extended to Irish rap group Kneecap, who performed shortly after Bob Vylan. Starmer had previously stated that Kneecap should not have been invited, citing their description of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide.
Government, BBC, and Glastonbury Respond
A government spokesperson confirmed that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy contacted BBC Director-General Tim Davie to demand an explanation over the broadcaster’s vetting process.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, called the chant “revolting”, adding:
“Whether you are Israeli or Palestinian, Christian, Jewish, or Muslim — all life is precious. We’re not going to solve one of the world’s most intractable conflicts with these sorts of stunts.”
Meanwhile, Glastonbury Festival organisers released a statement condemning Bob Vylan’s remarks, saying the performance “crossed a line.”
“There is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech, or incitement to violence,” organisers posted via a joint Instagram statement with Emily Eavis, the festival’s co-organiser.
BBC Faces Formal Complaint Over Broadcast
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) announced it will formally complain to the BBC, calling its decision to air Bob Vylan’s set live an “outrageous lapse”.
“Glastonbury continues its descent into extremism and hatred,” CAA posted on X, “but it is the BBC’s behaviour that is even more dangerous.”
The BBC clarified that Kneecap’s set was not aired live, but has since been added to iPlayer with edits and content warnings to remain within editorial guidelines.
Police Reviewing Footage, Possible Criminal Probe
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are reviewing footage from Glastonbury’s West Holts Stage, where both Bob Vylan and Kneecap performed, to determine if criminal charges may apply.
Separately, the Met Police announced it would not pursue prosecution against Kneecap over April footage allegedly calling for death to British MPs, citing elapsed legal time limits for such offenses.
Background on Artists and Controversies
Bob Vylan, a London-based punk duo, is known for its politically charged music. The group consists of Bobby Vylan (vocals/guitar) and Bobbie Vylan (drums), both of whom use pseudonyms.
Kneecap, who perform in Irish Gaelic, have made headlines before. Rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (Mo Chara) is currently facing terrorism charges over allegations that he displayed a Hezbollah flag during a previous concert. He denies the charges and is due in court on August 20.
At Glastonbury, Kneecap reportedly lashed out at Starmer during their performance, drawing a massive crowd and renewing debate over artistic freedom vs. incitement at major UK cultural events.
Conclusion
As Glastonbury Festival closes, the controversy surrounding Bob Vylan and Kneecap raises urgent questions about the limits of free expression, the role of broadcasters like the BBC, and the responsibility of public figures amid the intensifying Israel-Gaza conflict.
