Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called for the BBC not to broadcast Kneecap's Glastonbury Festival performance next week, citing terrorism charges against a band member.
In a post on X, Badenoch stated: "The BBC should not be showing 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 a few hours later, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed the sentiment of Badenoch in a new interview.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh appeared at court earlier this month
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When asked by The Sun on Sunday if he thinks Kneecap should play at Glastonbury Starmer, said: “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' comments followed Wednesday's court appearance of Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who faces charges for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag whilst saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a November gig.
Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court accompanied by bandmates Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, all wearing "Free Mo Chara" T-shirts.
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Kemi Badenoch has called for Glastonbury and the BBC to ditch Kneecap from the line-up
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The 27-year-old was cheered by hundreds of supporters outside court.
During proceedings, the court heard he is "well within his rights" to voice opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town is a "wholly different thing".
He was released on unconditional bail until August 20.
The charge followed a counter-terrorism police investigation after historical footage surfaced, which also allegedly shows the group calling for the deaths of MPs.
This marks the latest clash between Badenoch and the Belfast rap trio.
Last year, Kneecap won a discrimination case against the UK Government in Belfast High Court after Badenoch, then a minister, attempted to refuse them a £14,250 funding award.
The band has previously called for Kneecap to be banned from Glastonbury entirely.
Kneecap responded to Badenoch's actions in their latest single, The Recap, released before their Wide Awake festival headline set in May.
Kneecap are no strangers to causing controversy with their performances
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The track mocked the politician's attempts to block their arts funding and referenced the Conservative Party's election defeat.
A BBC spokesperson responded: "As the broadcast partner, the BBC will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers.
"Whilst the BBC doesn't ban artists, our plans will ensure that our programming will meet our editorial guidelines.
"Decisions about our output will be made in the lead up to the festival."
Kneecap band members were met by hoards of fans at court this month
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Following his court hearing, Ó hAnnaidh told supporters: "For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday. If you can't be there, we'll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC."
He concluded: "But most importantly: free, free Palestine."
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