Prime Minister Andy Burnham was the subject of an expletive-laden chant by Irish rap trio Kneecap during their set at Leeds Festival on Friday night.
The Belfast-born trio headlined The Gallery stage on Friday, August 28, where they reportedly incited the crowd into chanting: "Andy Burnham's a w*****", Yorkshire Live reports.
Political context
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister made his inaugural official visit to Northern Ireland, declaring that a referendum on a united Ireland "is off the table."
He went on to cite Brexit and the independent Scottish referendums as examples of "risks that come from those situations and take a long time to heal, as reports the Mirror.
He said: "Well, obviously I'm here as I said earlier to listen and I will take a collaborative approach, but some issues will be off the table, and that is one issue that will be off the table.", reports the Daily Star.
Kneecap's stance
"We need to fix the things right in front of us in the here and now," Burnham told BBC News NI.
The Prime Minister's comments were focused on addressing the cost of living crisis and mounting pressure on public services, rather than entertaining the prospect of a united Ireland.
Kneecap, who are vocal advocates for a united Ireland, also took the opportunity during their set to demonstrate their solidarity with Palestine. Just moments before taking to the stage, large screens displayed the message: "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian and Lebanese people. Over 100,000 people have been murdered by Israel since 2023."
