Police drop Kneecap 'kill your local MP' probe ahead of Glasgow gig
It has now been confirmed by the Metropolitan Police that the band will face no charges over these chants, but despite suggestions that the terrorism charge against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh over allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag was also dropped, the force have confirmed that is a separate matter.
Thousands gathered outside a court in London earlier this month when the 27-year-old appeared to face that charge.
He was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing on August 20, which will continue to go ahead.
But the trio will face no action over the 'kill your local MP' chants after an investigation concluded that too much time had lapsed before the videos were brought to police attention and a number of offences had been considered.
A statement from the Met Police said: "A thorough investigation has now been completed by detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command, which included interviewing an individual under caution and seeking early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.
"A range of offences were considered as part of the investigation.
"However, given the time elapsed between the events in the video and the video being brought to police attention, any potential summary only offences were beyond the statutory time limit for prosecution.
"Relevant indictable offences were considered by the investigation team and, based on all of the current evidence available, a decision has been made that no further action will be taken at this time."
Kneecap are due to play in Glasgow on Tuesday, July 8 at the O2 Academy after they were dropped from the lineup at TRNSMT following the release of these videos.
First Minister John Swinney was among those who called for them to be dropped.
The band appeared at Glastonbury on Saturday, with their performance not shown on BBC.
The band aimed jibes at the BBC during their set, while also taking a dig at Rod Stewart after the singer had called for people to vote Reform.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News
an hour ago
- Sky News
'Very concerned' Ofcom says BBC has 'questions to answer' after streaming anti-IDF chants at Glastonbury
The BBC has questions to answer over the live streaming of Bob Vylan's set in which a band member shouted "death to the IDF", according to a media watchdog. Ofcom it was "very concerned" about the stream, which showed rapper Bobby Vylan lead crowds at the festival's West Holts Stage in chants of: "Free, free Palestine" and: "Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)" on Saturday. An Ofcom spokesperson said on Monday: "We are very concerned about the live stream of this performance, and the BBC clearly has questions to answer. "We have been speaking to the BBC over the weekend and we are obtaining further information as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines." Video showed some of the crowd joining in with the chant, while the group performed in front of a screen that claimed Israel's actions in Gaza amount to "genocide". The latest development follows severe condemnation from the prime minister on Sunday. Sir Keir Starmer said there was "no excuse" for "this kind of appalling hate speech". He also referenced a previous statement that Belfast rap group Kneecap should have been removed from the line-up after one member was charged with a terrorism offence. "I said that Kneecap should not be given a platform and that goes for any other performers making threats or inciting violence," he said. "The BBC needs to explain how these scenes came to be broadcast." Festival organiser Emily Eavis said Bob Vylan had "very much crossed a line". She added: "Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence." The Israeli embassy said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric", adding that the slogan chanted "advocates for the dismantling of the State of Israel". Please refresh the page for the latest version.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Ofcom launches BBC probe over Bob Vylan ‘death to the IDF' Glastonbury chant
Ofcom is seeking information from the BBC on how punk duo Bob Vylan 's 'death to the IDF ' chant at Glastonbury was broadcast. The watchdog said the broadcaster has 'questions to answer' over its decision to carry the chant during the group's performance on Saturday. It comes after Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are assessing videos of Bob Vylan and Kneecap 's performances at the festival, with a member of the Irish rap trio urging fans to 'start a riot' outside his bandmate's upcoming court appearance. An Ofcom spokesperson said that while it had not yet launched an official investigation into the incident, it was demanding answers from the corporation on how the group's remarks were broadcast. The watchdog added in a statement said: 'We are very concerned about the live stream of this performance, and the BBC clearly has questions to answer. 'We have been speaking to the BBC over the weekend and we are obtaining further information as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.'
Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Leader Live
Strictly star left ‘scared' after ‘traumatising' mugging
The professional dancer shared the incident on social media, urging fans to stay vigilant and be aware. Talking on Instagram, Michelle said: 'Now this was a couple of days ago and I've just about mentally recovered from that. It was quite traumatising on the day.' Adding: 'It wasted my whole day and made me feel awful, scared, helpless and I don't want the same to happen to you. A post shared by Michelle Tsiakkas (@michelle_tsiak) 'My phone got stolen. My phone got stolen. I mean I see it happening all the time but it's just one of those things that you just never think it's gonna happen to you. and then it does.' Michelle shared that the mugging took place in Covent Garden while she was on the way to the dentist. On Instagram, the Strictly star said that she was walking along when a masked rider on an electric bike reportedly went past her and snatched her phone before speeding off. Recommended Reading 'I owe everything to Strictly Come Dancing': Judges sum up 20 years of BBC show TV show from 'breath of fresh air' Strictly star axed by ITV after only 1 series Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up rumours - from Queen's son to Girls Aloud star Michelle fell to the floor during the mugging, hurting her knee, before two passersby rushed over to help her. Speaking to fans on Instagram, the Strictly star said: ''Be very careful. Phone theft is happening more and crime in the city is getting worse.' The dancer first joined Strictly Come Dancer in 2022 and got her first celeb partner in 2024 with EastEnders star, Jamie Borthwick.
