Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed that he finds Kneecap's upcoming performance at the Glastonbury Festival inappropriate, following a court appearance by band member Liam O hAnnaidh, who faces serious charges related to displaying a Hezbollah flag.

The charges against O hAnnaidh arise from a counter-terrorism investigation into footage from a past concert, where he allegedly called for violence against UK MPs.

Kneecap has publicly denied any wrongdoing, framing the legal actions against them as politically motivated attempts to suppress their artistic expression and criticizing British policies regarding Palestine.

Since their formation in 2017, Kneecap has gained notoriety for their provocative lyrics and politically charged themes, which have sparked both support and controversy.

The UK government has urged Glastonbury organizers to reconsider Kneecap's performance, reflecting the sensitive political climate surrounding the group's activities.

Recently, several of Kneecap's summer gigs have been canceled, including appearances in Scotland and Germany, amid concerns over their political messages.

The group was also dropped from Glasgow's TRNSMT Festival due to safety concerns, following warnings from Police Scotland about the need for a significant policing operation.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Kneecap is still scheduled to perform at Glastonbury on June 28, 2025, where they will play on the West Holts Stage.

The BBC has confirmed it will provide extensive coverage of the Glastonbury Festival, adhering to editorial guidelines while not outright banning artists.

O hAnnaidh, who is 27 years old, has been released on bail and remains set to perform at the festival despite the serious allegations against him.

Kneecap has previously faced backlash for inflammatory remarks made during performances, which have drawn scrutiny from authorities.

In an interview, Starmer emphasized the need for clear stances against threats but refrained from further comments due to the ongoing legal proceedings involving the band.