Bev Turner has said she is “ashamed of our country” after Kanye West was blocked from entering the UK ahead of his planned headline performances at Wireless Festival.
The GB News presenter launched a scathing attack on the Government in a post on X, accusing ministers of acting in an “authoritarian” manner following the decision to deny the rapper entry on the grounds that his presence would not be “conducive to public good”.
Just moments after the announcement that Mr West was barred from the UK, Bev penned: "Just when you thought you could not hate this authoritarian government any more,”
She then confirmed she would be discussing the issue live on GB News on Tuesday evening before reeling off further irked comments.
Bev Turner said she is ashamed of our country
|GB NEWS
Her post continued: "A private American citizen, employed by a commercial business, from tickets bought by private citizens is banned from the UK because of historical behaviour whilst experiencing a mental health episode.
"He's just played several nights in the USA - a country whose closest ally is ISRAEL!!"
In a strongly worded conclusion, The People's Channel presenter accused the Government of “group-think, fear of being unpopular, a love of censorship, a hard-hearted attitude to forgiveness & a complete lack of clear ethics” from Sir Keir Starmer.
“I am so ashamed of our country,” she added, claiming the move would alienate younger voters by “breaking the hearts of thousands and thousands of teenagers”.
Kanye West was blocked from entering the UK on Tuesday | GETTYShe wasn't finished there as Bev published a second X post criticising the Home Office's decision.
"The @labour government just turned down £40-50million of revenue to the UK economy because one of the world's most popular music artists said some awful things about Jewish people which he has subsequently regretted, apologised for and offered to repair by meeting key Rabbis. Let that sink in... Terrifying times," she wrote.
The comments come after the Home Office blocked Mr West from entering the UK just hours after he issued a public statement attempting to address the backlash surrounding his scheduled appearance at the festival.
The rapper had been due to headline all three nights of the London event, but the Government intervened following renewed controversy over a series of antisemitic social media posts and other incidents, including the release of a track titled Heil Hitler and the promotion of a swastika-branded T-shirt.
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Just when you thought you could not hate this authoritarian government any more:
— Bev Turner (@beverleyturner) April 7, 2026
🚨 #Kanye West travel to UK for @WirelessFest blocked. 🚨
Tune into @GBNEWS tonight from 6pm where I will be covering for Dewbs and asking "WHO does this government think it is?!"
A private…
In his statement addressed to "those I've hurt", Mr West said: “I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly.
"My goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace and love through my music."
He continued: "I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in London in person, to listen.
"I know words aren’t enough. I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open I’m here. Love Ye.”
As a result of the Home Office banning YE from entering the United Kingdom, Wireless Festival has been forced to cancel.
— Wireless Festival (@WirelessFest) April 7, 2026
All ticket holders will recieve an automatic full refund. pic.twitter.com/nNCqUXNU6t
The decision to block his entry has sparked fierce debate online, with X users divided over whether the move was justified.
Some backed Bev's criticism, with one writing: “Well said, Bev. I am also ashamed of this country."
Another claimed the decision was “an easy way to look like they are supporting Jews”.
"It’s ridiculous" penned a third viewer.
Wireless Festival 2026 has been officially cancelled following Mr West's UK ban
| GETTYHowever, others supported the Government’s stance, with one commenter stating: “Good, he shouldn’t have been invited in the first place.”
Another said: "Maybe too much freedom has got out of hand. Bring back consideration for everyone. Easy to blame ‘mental health, harder to change your prejudices."
The controversy follows mounting pressure on Wireless Festival organisers after several major sponsors, including Pepsi, Diageo, and PayPal, withdrew their support in response to Mr West’s involvement.
The Prime Minister had previously described the booking as “deeply concerning”, adding that “antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly”.
The last time Mr West performed in the UK was at Glastonbury in 2015
| GETTYMoments after the Home Office announced its decision to prevent headliner Kanye West from entering the UK, Wireless Festival announced its cancellation.
Wireless organiser, Festival Republic, said in a statement: “The Home Office has withdrawn YE’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom. As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled, and refunds will be issued to all ticket-holders.
“As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE, and no concerns were highlighted at the time."
The statement continued: “Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had.
"As YE said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.”