Sir Keir Starmer has demanded the BBC explain how “appalling” chants of “death to the IDF” were broadcast during its coverage of the Glastonbury Festival. The prime minister said there was “no excuse” for the hate speech, as police assess footage of sets by punk duo Bob Vylan and Irish rap trio Kneecap.
Bob Vylan led crowds in chants of “free, free Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF”, while Kneecap suggested fans “start a riot” outside a band member’s upcoming court appearance. The row is expected to be discussed by the Commons culture committee, raising the prospect of BBC director general Tim Davie being called to give evidence to parliament.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has spoken to Mr Davie about the performance, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the scenes as “appalling”. Former Conservative culture secretary Lucy Frazer said the BBC “failed in its responsibility to the licence fee payer”, and ex-BBC executive Roger Bolton said the channel “should have cut away” from the broadcast.
A BBC spokesperson said some comments were “deeply offensive” but noted that a warning about strong language was issued during the live stream on iPlayer. Glastonbury Festival said it was “appalled” by Bob Vylan’s actions, adding that their chants “very much crossed a line” and there is no place for antisemitism or incitement to violence.
Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately said the BBC should have cut the live feed, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labelled the scenes “grotesque”. Former Labour home secretary Jacqui Smith called on police to investigate, saying the chants stepped “over a mark from reasonable protest” to something completely unacceptable.
