Artists defend rap band Kneecap over 'kill MP' footage

Dozens of artists - including Pulp, Paul Weller and Primal Scream - have come out in support of the band Kneecap, after counter-terrorism police said they were investigating videos of the trio allegedly calling for the deaths of MPs and shouting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah".

- Kevin Rawlinson

Detectives said yesterday that videos of the two incidents had been brought to their attention in late April, and had been referred for assessment by specialist counter-terrorism officers. They had "determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences linked to both videos", officers said.

Scotland Yard added: "The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met's counter-terrorism command."

The Irish language group have been the focus of heavy criticism over the two video clips in recent days. Ministers have put pressure on the organisers of the Glastonbury festival over their inclusion, while a gig at the Eden Project has been cancelled.

The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has demanded the band be banned from Glastonbury, with politicians from the governing and opposition parties highlighting the danger already faced by MPs with the murders of their colleagues Jo Cox and David Amess.

The video footage appeared to show a member of the group saying at a 2023 gig: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." Footage from another date last year appeared to show one of the band shouting: "Up Hamas, up Hezbollah" - groups banned in the UK as terrorist organisations.