Major update on Kneecap’s terror charge after controversial Glastonbury set probed by police
The band Kneecap will face no further action on a terror charge after the Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 'thorough investigation' had been completed by counter-terrorism officers into a video of them saying 'kill your local MP'.
The Met Police confirmed that this does not impact a terror charge brought against Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, regarding accusations that he displayed a Hezbollah flag.
Footage of the Irish band's performances from November 2023 showed them saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP."
Several places due to host Kneecap gigs cancelled appearances for the band, though despite some calls for them to be dropped from the Glastonbury line-up they did perform at the festival over the weekend.
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A Met Police spokesperson told LADbible: “A thorough investigation has now been completed by detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command, which included interviewing an individual under caution and seeking early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.
“A range of offences were considered as part of the investigation. However, given the time elapsed between the events in the video and the video being brought to police attention, any potential summary only offences were beyond the statutory time limit for prosecution.
“Relevant indictable offences were considered by the investigation team and, based on all of the current evidence available, a decision has been made that no further action will be taken at this time.
“We understand the impact this decision may have on MPs and their staff.
"The safety and security of MPs is something that is taken extremely seriously across the whole of policing. MPs who may be concerned about their safety can contact their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer, who can provide further advice and support."
Following the announcement of an investigation, Kneecap said the footage of them had been 'exploited and weaponised' and apologised to the families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.
Jo Cox's widower Brendan said the band had offered 'only half an apology', while David Amess' daughter Katie said the band's statement was 'deflection and excuses and gaslighting'.
Ó hAnnaidh still faces charges over footage from November 2024, which appeared to show him shouting 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' while waving a Hezbollah flag. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are recognised as terrorist organisations in the UK.
Earlier this month, he was released on unconditional bail after appearing before a court in London on a terror charge for displaying the Hezbollah flag.
He has been told he must appear before the court again on 20 August for his next hearing, Kneecap said: "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves."
Following all the controversy, the band's Glastonbury performance was not broadcast live by the BBC.
Footage of their performance is now being investigated by Avon and Somerset Police after band members chanted for people to 'start a riot outside the courts', before clarifying: "No riots just love and support, and support for Palestine."
During their performance they also chanted 'f**k Keir Starmer' after the UK prime minister had said he thought they shouldn't perform.
Avon and Somerset Police also said they were investigating the performance of rap duo Bob Vylan on the West Holts Stage after chants of 'death to the IDF' started.
The police said: "We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon.
“Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.”
Glastonbury said they were 'appalled by the comments made by Bob Vylan, saying in a statement: "As a festival, we stand against all forms of war and terrorism. We will always believe in – and actively campaign for – hope, unity, peace and love.
“With almost 4,000 performances at Glastonbury 2025, there will inevitably be artists and speakers appearing on our stages whose views we do not share, and a performer’s presence here should never be seen as a tacit endorsement of their opinions and beliefs.
“However, we are appalled by the statements made from the West Holts stage by Bob Vylan yesterday.
"Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the Festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence.”
Topics: Glastonbury, Music, Crime
Joe Harker