Steerpike Steerpike

Even the SNP is condemning Kneecap

(Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

There’s not much that the Conservatives, the SNP and Labour agree on – but it appears Irish rappers Kneecap have pulled off the improbable and united political opponents against them this week. The republican band has been the source of much outrage after video footage from a 2023 concert emerged, in which one of the trio appears to say: ‘The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.’ In a political environment that has seen two UK politicians murdered within the last decade, the remarks are rather disturbing. Counter-terrorism police are now assessing the clip, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer has suggested that the group’s government funding should be cut. Well, actions have consequences…

But the Kneecap controversy doesn’t stop there. There is a second video circulating from a gig in November last year, also being investigated by the police, which appears to show a band member shouting ‘up Hamas, up Hezbollah’ at a London show.

Britain’s best politics newsletters

You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.

Already a subscriber? Log in

Steerpike
Written by
Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just £1 a month

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in