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. She added that there is “no place for that kind of hatred, bigotry or antisemitism” in the UK.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticised the festival, calling it “deeply concerning” that West had been booked despite his past antisemitic comments and celebration of Nazism. The Campaign Against Antisemitism urged the government to ban West from entering the UK, arguing that his presence would not be 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 have condemned the booking.
West, who also goes by Ye, has not performed in the UK since 2015. He has faced criticism for antisemitic remarks, including a song titled “Heil Hitler” and advertising a swastika T-shirt. Sponsors Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their support for Wireless festival, and PayPal will not appear in future promotional materials.
The Home Office and Wireless festival have been approached for comment. It is understood that ministers are reviewing West’s permission to enter the UK.
