Sir Keir Starmer Expresses 'Deep Concern' Over Kanye West's Wireless Festival Headline Slot
PM 'Deeply Concerned' by Kanye West Festival Booking
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described Kanye West's upcoming headline performances at Wireless Festival in London this summer as "deeply concerning". West, now known as Ye, is scheduled to headline all three days of the rap and R&B festival in north London, despite a well-documented history of antisemitic comments and glorification of Nazism.
Sir Keir, whose comments were initially reported by The Sun on Sunday, stated that West had been booked "despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism". He emphasised, "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."
Political and Community Outcry
The Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, previously called for the government to ban West from entering the UK, arguing for a tougher stance on antisemitism and labelling West's planned appearance as "extremely serious". Last year, West was reportedly denied entry to Australia following the release of a song titled "Heil Hitler".
West has, at various points, apologised for his antisemitic behaviour, including a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal in January, where he attributed his actions to bipolar disorder, stating he "lost touch with reality" and was "deeply mortified by my actions in that state." However, these apologies have often been followed by further controversial statements or actions, such as selling T-shirts featuring a swastika.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews, the largest body representing Jewish people in the UK, has also called for West to be prevented from entering the country. A spokesperson for London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan confirmed that the Mayor's office views the artist's past comments and actions as "offensive and wrong" and not reflective of London's values, noting the decision rests with festival organisers.
West has not performed in the UK since headlining Glastonbury in 2015. Festival Republic, the organisers of Wireless, have been approached for comment regarding the controversy surrounding the artist's booking.
