Punk duo Bob Vylan have declared they hope a police decision to take no further action over chants made during their Glastonbury Festival performance will "inspire others in the UK and around the world to speak up" about Palestine.
Police Investigation Concludes
Avon and Somerset Police announced on Tuesday 23 December 2025 that "no further action" would be taken following a criminal investigation into comments made during the band's set. The force stated the decision was made on the basis that "there is insufficient evidence for there to be a realistic prospect of conviction."
The investigation was launched after rapper Bobby Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of "death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)" during the duo's performance on the West Holts Stage in June 2025. A senior detective had been appointed to lead the inquiry.
Band's Reaction and Statement
In a statement posted to the social media platform X on Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24 December, Bob Vylan responded to the police's conclusion. While acknowledging the news could be seen as a cause for celebration, the band asserted that "the criminal investigation of the chant was never warranted in the first place."
The statement criticised six months of media and political attacks for using their art to take a stand "against the actions of Israel and its illegal occupying military force." It described the investigated chant as "evidently not hateful, but was a display of solidarity with the Palestinian people."
Call for Continued Solidarity
Bob Vylan detailed the personal and professional consequences they have faced, including cancelled shows, revoked visas, and a tarnished reputation. Despite this, they claimed to have gained "tenfold in spirit and camaraderie" from the experience.
The band's statement concluded with a powerful message of encouragement: "We hope that this news inspires others in the UK and around the world to speak up, and continue speaking up, in support of the Palestinian people, without fear... And that is unbreakable."
