Varadkar says Keir Starmer is wrong to criticise Kneecap's Glastonbury gig
IRELAND, JUN 22 – Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar opposes political censorship of Kneecap amid legal charges against a band member, emphasizing artistic freedom and court decisions, with the band set to perform at Glastonbury.
- The Belfast rap trio Kneecap is scheduled to perform at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday 28 June 2025 at 4pm on the West Holts Stage.
- The band's planned performance has drawn controversy after member Liam Og O hAnnaidh was charged under the Terrorism Act and is currently on unconditional bail amid a court case.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly stated he does not think Kneecap should perform, calling their gig 'inappropriate' and urging a clear stance while acknowledging the ongoing legal case.
- Former Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar criticized censorship attempts, warning politicians against trying to "censor" artists and saying he initially thought Starmer's comments were "some sort of gag."
- Despite political pressure and public debate, the festival organisers confirmed Kneecap will perform, and the BBC, as broadcast partner, stated their plans meet editorial guidelines without banning artists.
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19 Articles
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Glastonbury should drop Kneecap, says UK PM
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday said it was not "appropriate" for Irish group Kneecap to perform at Glastonbury, one of the country's biggest and most famous music festivals, reported AFP. Asked in an interview by The Sun tabloid whether the Irish rap trio should perform at the iconic festival next week, Starmer responded: "No, I don't, and I think we need to come down really clearly on this. "This is about the threats that shouldn't …
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