Keir Starmer ‘concerned’ over Kanye West UK festival dates
Keir Starmer ‘concerned’ over Kanye West’s UK festival appearances
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed heightened concern regarding Kanye West’s upcoming performances at the Wireless Festival in London this summer. The rapper, now known as Ye, has faced significant backlash for his antisemitic remarks in recent years, including a public apology issued in January. His 48-year-old profile was confirmed as the festival’s headliner for all three days, set to take place in north London from 10 to 12 July.
Starmer highlighted that West’s booking appears to overlook his controversial statements and endorsement of Nazism. “Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” the leader stated, emphasizing the need for Britain to remain a safe space for Jewish communities. “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure this,” he added.
“I am not a Nazi or an antisemite,” West wrote in a January statement. He attributed his remarks to bipolar disorder, explaining that during manic episodes, he “didn’t think you’re sick” and “lost touch with reality.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey echoed Starmer’s worries, calling for stricter measures against antisemitism. He described West’s involvement as “extremely serious” and suggested the government should consider banning the artist from entering the UK. This sentiment aligns with earlier actions taken against West in Australia, where he was restricted from performing after releasing a track titled “Heil Hitler” that praised the Nazi leader.
West’s controversial behavior extends beyond music. In 2022, his X account was suspended multiple times for posts violating platform rules. Notably, he shared an image combining a swastika and the Star of David, claiming he would go “death con 3” on Jewish people. Additionally, he faced criticism for wearing a “white lives matter” T-shirt at Paris fashion week, leading to his partnership with Adidas being terminated.
Despite past controversies, West has made efforts to reconcile. In November 2025, he met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, where he reportedly apologized for his earlier antisemitic comments. His January 2025 full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal reiterated his regret, stating he was “deeply mortified” by his actions during manic episodes.
West’s latest album, *Bully*, released in March, has seen three of its tracks chart within the UK’s top 100 singles. The Wireless Festival described the event as a “three-night journey through his most iconic records.” Meanwhile, the Board of Deputies of British Jews urged BBC Newsnight to block the artist’s entry, citing his actions as incompatible with London’s values.
A spokesperson for London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan clarified that the festival’s decision to book West was independent of City Hall. “The past comments and actions of this artist are offensive and wrong, and not reflective of London’s values,” they noted. Festival Republic, the organizers, have yet to provide further comments.
