Irish Band Kneecap Sparks Outrage in London Concert by Encouraging Violence Against MPs and Glorifying Terrorist Groups

What started as just another night of rebellious music in London has now escalated into a nationwide controversy.

Northern Irish rap group Kneecap is facing serious backlash after a disturbing video surfaced from one of their performances, where they appeared to encourage violence against politicians.

“Kill Your Local MP” Comment Stuns Audience and Authorities

During a gig at the Electric Ballroom in Camden, London, Kneecap delivered more than just beats and rhymes.

In the now-viral footage, one of the band members can be heard shouting to the crowd, “Kill your local MP” and declaring, “The only good Tory is a dead Tory.”

That moment wasn’t just some off-the-cuff remark—it was part of a larger tirade that included comments about British rule in Ireland and frustration with Conservative leadership in Westminster.

The group’s blunt language sent the audience into a frenzy, but the fallout beyond the venue has been anything but celebratory.

Politicians Demand Immediate Police Action

The reaction from political figures has been swift and fierce. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick didn’t mince words, calling for an immediate investigation by counter-terrorism police.

Jenrick argued that if a band made similar statements in support of far-right extremist groups, the legal consequences would have been swift and unforgiving.

He said the disparity in response raises real concerns about “two-tier policing” in the UK.

Ongoing Pattern of Provocation Raises Red Flags

The incident at the London gig is just one chapter in a growing book of controversies involving Kneecap.

At their Coachella performance earlier this month, the group projected inflammatory pro-Palestinian slogans like “Israel is committing genocide” and “F*** Israel, Free Palestine” during their set.

That performance drew heavy criticism from public figures including Sharon Osbourne, who publicly called for Kneecap’s U.S. work visas to be revoked.

And earlier this week, more footage emerged showing one band member draped in a Hezbollah flag, shouting “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah”—both of which are banned terrorist organizations in the UK.

Counter-Terrorism Officials Assessing the Band’s Behavior

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they have referred the latest video to their Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit to determine if Kneecap’s language or actions broke any UK terrorism laws.

Depending on that assessment, a formal investigation could follow.

A spokesperson for the Met said the footage only recently came to their attention and is under urgent review.

Public Venues and Festivals Under Pressure to Drop the Group

As outrage builds, questions are now being asked about Kneecap’s upcoming performances—including their scheduled appearance at Glastonbury.

Many are wondering whether music festivals should be offering a platform to a group accused of inciting violence and glorifying terrorism.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism has already taken action, writing to Glastonbury and other venues demanding Kneecap be removed from their line-ups.

“This goes way beyond edgy performance art,” their spokesperson said. “It’s dangerous rhetoric, plain and simple.”

Tragic History of MP Murders Highlights the Danger

These kinds of statements aren’t just offensive—they come at a time when UK politicians are already facing unprecedented threats to their safety.

In recent years, two MPs—Jo Cox and Sir David Amess—have been murdered in politically motivated attacks.

That context has made Kneecap’s “kill your local MP” comment especially disturbing to many, reinforcing why such rhetoric can’t be taken lightly.

Labour MPs Join Chorus of Condemnation

Labour MP Luke Akehurst slammed the band’s words as “disgusting incitement to violence,” pointing out how such language undermines democracy and dishonors the memory of murdered MPs.

He emphasized that it doesn’t matter which party the targets belong to—any threat or incitement against public officials is beyond unacceptable.

Band’s Name and History Add to the Controversy

The controversy is further inflamed by the band’s very name—Kneecap—which references the IRA’s brutal punishment method of shooting enemies in the kneecaps.

The group, formed in Belfast in the 2010s, consists of three members: Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin), and DJ Próvaí (J.J. Ó Dochartaigh).

Their performances have often pushed boundaries, but critics say their recent behavior has crossed into a dangerous territory.

Legal Action Being Prepared as Pressure Mounts

As public pressure continues to mount, legal experts and advocacy groups aren’t waiting for the police.

Campaign Against Antisemitism has even threatened to launch a private prosecution if authorities fail to act.

“Venues that host this band are sending the message that hate speech is welcome on stage,” one spokesperson warned. “That’s not something society should accept.”

What Comes Next for Kneecap?

Kneecap and their team have yet to respond publicly to the mounting criticism and legal scrutiny.

With police reviewing their actions and advocacy groups calling for festival bans, their place in the spotlight is looking more precarious by the day.

Whether they double down on their anti-establishment identity or face real consequences for their remarks, one thing is clear—the debate over artistic expression and incitement has reached a new boiling point.

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