Police Review Glastonbury Protests, Debate Intensifies

At the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, British punk duo Bob Vylan led chants including 'Death, death to the IDF' and 'Free, free Palestine,' prompting condemnation from politicians, festival organizers, and the Israeli Embassy for inflammatory and potentially inciting rhetoric. Festival organizers stated the act crossed a line and reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on hate speech or incitement. Avon and Somerset Police are reviewing Bob Vylan's performance to determine if any criminal offenses occurred. The BBC, which broadcast the performance live, issued an onscreen warning and will not make the footage available on demand. Irish rap group Kneecap also performed at the festival amid controversy over member Mo Chara's terrorism-related charge, but the Metropolitan Police have chosen not to prosecute the group for previous calls for violence against MPs due to insufficient evidence and elapsed time. The incidents have reignited debate about free speech, antisemitism, and protest boundaries, while also highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.