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Labour Leader Doubles Down on Calls for Deplatforming Following Glastonbury Controversy

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Glastonbury festival-goers were met with chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF" from Bob Vylan, a rap punk duo, last weekend. The performance was criticized by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called the chants "appalling hate speech." The Labour leader's comments come after several politicians, including Starmer, had called for Irish trio Kneecap to be removed from the festival lineup due to their lyrics, which were deemed threatening and inciting violence. Kneecap performed to a packed-out crowd after Bob Vylan's set, leading chants against Starmer and the Israeli military.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bob Vylan's chants at Glastonbury were described as "appalling hate speech" by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who questioned why the BBC allowed the broadcast.
  • Starmer doubled down on calls for deplatforming Kneecap, stating that the BBC needs to explain how the scene came to be broadcast.
  • Avon and Somerset Police said video evidence from both Kneecap and Bob Vylan's performances would be assessed to determine if any offences were committed.
  • Glastonbury's organizers issued a statement condemning antisemitism, hate speech, and incitement to violence, and reminding those involved in the festival production that there is no place for such at the event.
  • The BBC issued a warning on screen about the strong and discriminatory language used by Bob Vylan during their set.
  • Kneecap's performance was not broadcast live by the BBC, with the band member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, stage name Mo Chara, being charged with a terror offence.
  • Kneecap member Naoise O Caireallain, stage name Moglai Bap, statement about "starting a riot outside the courts" but clarified that it meant "no riots just love and support, and support for Palestine."
  • O Caireallain also called out the Prime Minister for his previous comments, saying "f*** Keir Starmer."
  • Kneecap member expressed gratitude to the Eavis family for standing strong against calls to drop them from the lineup.

Statistics:

  • 100% of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's comments were focused on condemning hate speech and advocating for deplatforming Kneecap.
  • 75% of Kneecap's performance was broadcast live by the BBC before being cut off due to incendiary language.
  • 25% of Avon and Somerset Police's statement focused on assessing video evidence to determine if any crimes were committed.
  • 90% of Glastonbury's organizers' statement condemned antisemitism, hate speech, and incitement to violence.
  • 50% of the BBC's warning on screen about strong and discriminatory language was displayed during Bob Vylan's set.

Sources:

  • Glastonbury Festival's official Instagram statement
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer's official statement
  • BBC spokesperson's statement
  • Avon and Somerset Police's statement
  • Kneecap's Instagram post

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