UK Police Investigate 'Death to IDF' Chants Broadcast at Glastonbury Festival

During the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan led a chant of "death to the IDF," igniting widespread condemnation and accusations of hate speech and incitement to terror. The chants, including calls to "free Palestine," were broadcast live by the BBC, prompting the government and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to demand an urgent explanation from the BBC about their due diligence in airing the performance. Avon and Somerset Police are reviewing footage from the West Holts Stage to determine if any offences were committed. The controversy deepened as Northern Irish rap group Kneecap, whose member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh faces terrorism charges, also performed with politically charged content, defying Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s earlier remarks deeming their appearance inappropriate. Israeli officials condemned the performances, calling for a police investigation, with Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister highlighting the sensitivity due to recent violent attacks on Israelis. Festival organizers defended their decision to include diverse artists, emphasizing Glastonbury as a platform for many voices, despite the backlash from politicians and parts of the public.