'Completely Unacceptable': No.10 Condemns Kneecap Over 'Dead Tory' Remark

The prime minister has condemned the Irish-language rap group Kneecap after the trio allegedly called for the death of British MPs.

Keir Starmer’s official spokesperson also said the band should should not receive government funding, months after Kneecap received a grant of more than £14,000.

A police investigation into Kneecap is currently underway after a video of the band at a gig – in November 2023 – resurfaced. It appeared to show a member of the group saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”

Another clip from November 2024 shows a band member shouting in support of the proscribed terrorist groups, “up Hamas, up Hezbollah,” in Kentish Town Forum and a Hezbollah flag on display.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “We were made aware of a video on 22 April, believed to be from an event in November 2024, and it has been referred to the counter-terrorism internet referral unit for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required.

“We have also been made aware of another video believed to be from an event in November 2023.”

Asked about the group’s remarks this morning, the prime minister’s spokesperson told reporters: “It’s obviously completely unacceptable and he [Starmer] completely rejects those views in the strongest possible terms.”

It comes after Tory leader – then business secretary – Kemi Badenoch tried to block a £14,250 arts grant to the band in 2023.

The then Conservative government said it did not want to give taxpayers’ money to “people that oppose the United Kingdom itself”.

But Kneecap won their appeal against the ban on funding last November, with Belfast’s high court concluding it was “unlawful” and agreeing to release the money while also paying the band’s costs.

When asked if Kneecap should still receive government funds today, the prime minister’s spokesperson said: “We do not think that individuals expressing those views should be receiving government funding.

“The PM absolutely rejects and condemns those remarks and does not think organisations such as that should be receiving government funding.”

In response to whether Kneecap should return the money, the spokesperson said: “That’s up to the group but clearly the PM rejects the views expressed and does not shy away from condemning them.”

Meanwhile, Badenoch has called for the group to be prosecuted over their alleged remarks.

“Kneecap’s glorification of terrorism and anti-British hatred has no place in our society,” she said.

“Now footage shows one of them saying: ‘The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP’.

“After the murder of Sir David Amess, this demands prosecution.”