Kneecap Mocks Starmer in Video as Labour Leadership Race Heats Up

June 22, 2026
Kneecap Mocks Starmer in Video as Labour Leadership Race Heats Up
  • A provocative Kneecap video mocks Sir Keir Starmer, reusing clips of him criticizing the group and including his remark that what they stand for is completely intolerable, paired with a montage of Kneecap’s Glastonbury performance and the shouted chant f*** Keir Starmer.

  • Kneecap, an Irish rap trio known for politically charged content, posted a farewell message to Starmer in Irish following his resignation as Labour Party leader.

  • Earlier this year, Kneecap released the single Liars Tale, targeting Starmer’s stance on Israel’s Gaza offensive and his relationship with the US, with lyrics aimed at both Starmer and Netanyahu.

  • The CPS and High Court ruled that the initial proceedings against Kneecap were unlawful, and the charge was dropped earlier in the year.

  • Nominations for a new Labour leader open on July 9, with a winner expected by September 1; Andy Burnham is frequently cited as a likely candidate.

  • Kneecap previously faced legal and public controversy for displaying a Hezbollah flag at a 2024 gig; charges were later dismissed on technical grounds in 2020 after various court actions.

  • Starmer resigned as Labour leader amid poor local election results, with Andy Burnham sworn in as MP for Makerfield and anticipated to succeed him as Prime Minister.

  • There is ongoing tension between Kneecap and political figures over Gaza, Palestine rights, and debates about censorship or cancellation in festival lineups.

  • Kneecap has performed at venues like Glastonbury and is known for calling for Free Palestine during performances.

  • Starmer had defended actions against Kneecap by saying incitement to violence and calls for genocide are distinct from free speech, while protecting creativity and venues in the UK.

  • Mo Chara’s terror-related charge for displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London gig was dismissed as unlawfully instituted; High Court rulings upheld that view after CPS appeal.

  • Starmer announced his resignation outside 10 Downing Street, saying he had proven critics wrong by addressing anti-Semitism, rebuilding trust in the economy, defence, and national security, and setting a timeline for selecting a new Labour leader by late summer.

Summary based on 13 sources


Get a daily email with more World News stories

Sources

Kneecap bids Starmer ‘Slán Keir’ after resignation



Kneecap bids Starmer ‘Slán Keir’ after resignation

More Stories