Irish Rap Group Kneecap Targets Prime Minister in Scathing New Single
The politically charged Irish rap trio Kneecap has unleashed a blistering new single that directly confronts Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over his stance on the conflict in Gaza. Their latest track, titled Liars Tale, represents one of the most direct musical critiques of the Prime Minister's foreign policy positions to emerge from the music scene.
Lyrical Content Takes Aim at Political Leadership
In the newly released song, the band delivers explicit criticism of Sir Keir's approach to Israel's military operations in Gaza, with lyrics that leave little room for interpretation. The track includes the provocative lines: "you're not getting away with doing nothing" and "f*** Keir Starmer, Netanyahu's bitch in genocide armour."
Rapping primarily in Irish, the group accuses the Prime Minister of being "nothing but a Tory" and suggests he is pandering to American interests in his foreign policy decisions. The song also makes direct reference to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, broadening its political critique beyond domestic British politics.
Album Announcement and Political Context
The single's release coincided with the announcement of Kneecap's second studio album, titled Fenian, scheduled for release on April 24. The group revealed that criticism from Sir Keir himself provided "all the motivation we needed" to create the album, which they have dedicated to "everyone speaking truth to power."
This musical confrontation follows a turbulent period for the band, particularly after member Liam Og O hAnnaidh (performing as Mo Chara) faced terrorism charges in 2025. The charges, which were eventually dropped in September of that year, alleged that O hAnnaidh had displayed a flag supporting Hezbollah at a London concert in 2024. The Crown Prosecution Service is currently appealing the decision to drop the case.
Provocative Music Video and Previous Controversies
The dystopian-themed music video for Liars Tale, which premiered on YouTube following its first radio play on Jack Saunders' BBC Radio 1 show, features striking imagery including the three musicians in guillotines and a zombie resembling former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. A voiceover in the video suggests the current Prime Minister has contacted previous leaders for foreign policy advice.
Kneecap has established a reputation for provocative performances and statements. Their 2025 Glastonbury Festival appearance, during which they chanted "f*** Keir Starmer," prompted an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police that was eventually discontinued. The group has also faced criticism for allegedly encouraging violence against MPs during concerts, though they have since apologised to families of murdered MPs and stated they "have never supported" Hamas or Hezbollah.
Cultural Significance and Band Background
Formed by Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh, Kneecap has become known not only for their politically charged lyrics but also for their championing of the Irish language and pro-Palestine stance. Their 2024 self-titled film, directed by Rich Peppiatt, won a BAFTA for outstanding debut by a British writer, director, or producer.
In their album announcement on Instagram, the band reflected on attempts to silence them, stating: "They tried to stop us by branding Kneecap 'terrorists', with cancellations, with statements from the Prime Minister himself... this isn't a swift reaction, but a considered response to those that tried to silence us. And failed."
The group explained their album title's significance, noting that "Fenian" originally referred to warriors in Irish folklore before becoming a derogatory term for the Irish, which they now reclaim to represent "everyone speaking truth to power."
Kneecap's musical output continues to blend cultural preservation with political protest, maintaining their position as one of the most outspoken musical acts in contemporary British and Irish politics.
