Sir Keir Starmer Expresses 'Deep Concern' Over Kanye West's Wireless Festival Headline Slot
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared it is “deeply concerning” that American rapper Kanye West, known as Ye, is scheduled to headline the Wireless Festival in London this summer. West’s booking has drawn widespread condemnation due to his history of antisemitic comments and past glorification of Nazism, for which he issued an apology in January.
Political Condemnation and Calls for Action
Sir Keir, in comments initially reported by the Sun on Sunday, stated that West has been booked “despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.” He underscored, “Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey also urged the government to prohibit West from entering the UK, arguing for a tougher stance on antisemitism and describing West’s planned appearance as “extremely serious.” This follows a similar incident last year where West was denied entry to Australia after releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler.”
Artist's Controversial History and Recent Apology
West’s past includes declaring himself a Nazi and selling T-shirts featuring a swastika. While he met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto in November 2025 and issued a full-page apology in the Wall Street Journal in January, attributing his actions to bipolar disorder, his previous statements have caused significant offence. His social media accounts were repeatedly banned in 2022 following offensive posts, including an image combining a swastika and the Star of David.
The Wireless Festival, running from 10-12 July, describes West’s performances as a “three night journey through his most iconic records.” The Board of Deputies of British Jews has also called for West to be blocked from entering the country. A spokesperson for London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan confirmed that the Mayor's office considers the artist's past comments and actions
