Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has said Kanye West should be barred from performing at Wireless festival due to his “completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting” antisemitic remarks. While she did not comment on a potential entry ban, she stated there is “no place for that kind of hatred, bigotry or antisemitism”.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticised the booking, calling it “deeply concerning” given West’s past antisemitic comments and celebration of Nazism. The Campaign Against Antisemitism urged the government to ban West from entering the UK, noting that the Home Secretary can block anyone whose presence is “not conducive to the public good”.
Tory MP Chris Philp wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood requesting a ban, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey and Labour MP Rachael Maskell also called for action. Jewish organisations including the Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned the booking.
West, who also goes by Ye, has not performed in the UK since 2015. He has a history of antisemitic remarks, including a song titled “Heil Hitler” released last year and a swastika T-shirt advertised on his website. In January, he took out a full-page advert apologising and attributing his behaviour to bipolar disorder.
Sponsors Pepsi, Diageo and PayPal have distanced themselves from Wireless festival, though their logos remain on the festival’s website. The Home Office and festival organisers have been approached for comment.
