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 stated there is “no place for that kind of hatred, bigotry or antisemitism” but declined to comment on whether ministers should ban West from entering the country.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticised the booking, calling it “deeply concerning” given West’s past antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism. The Campaign Against Antisemitism urged the government to ban West, noting that the Home Secretary can bar anyone whose presence is not conducive to the public good.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for a ban, saying “We need to get tougher on antisemitism.” Tory MP Chris Philp wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood requesting she prevent West from travelling to the UK. Labour MP Rachael Maskell said West should not be given a platform.
Sponsors Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their sponsorship of Wireless festival, although they remain listed on the website. PayPal, a payment partner, will not appear in future promotional materials. West has not performed in the UK since 2015 and has a history of antisemitic comments, including a song titled 'Heil Hitler' and advertising a swastika T-shirt.
Jewish organisations including the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council condemned the booking. The Home Office and Wireless festival have been approached for comment.
