Anger grows over ‘appalling hate speech’ at Glastonbury

PM asks BBC to explain how anti-Israeli chants were aired

- KATE DEVLIN WHITEHALL EDITOR

Sir Keir Starmer has demanded that the BBC explain how “appalling” chants of “death to the IDF” were broadcast as part of its coverage of Glastonbury.

Punk rap duo Bob Vylan chanted ‘death to the IDF’ while performing on Saturday (Photos PA) Police are assessing footage of sets by Bob Vylan, who led crowds in chants of “free, free Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF” (the Israeli Defense Forces), and Irish rap trio Kneecap, who suggested fans “start a riot” outside one of the band member’s upcoming court appearance.

The prime minister said: “There is no excuse for this kind of appalling hate speech. The BBC needs to explain how these scenes came to be broadcast.”

His comments come after politicians and former BBC staff lined up to say the broadcaster and the festival both had questions to answer.

The Independent understands the row is expected to be discussed when MPs on the Commons culture committee meet tomorrow, raising the spectre that BBC bosses, such as the director general Tim Davie, could be called to give evidence to parliament.

The culture secretary Lisa Nandy has spoken to Mr Davie about Bob Vylan’s performance.

Sir Keir Starmer added: “I said that Kneecap should not be given a platform and that goes for any other performers making threats or inciting violence.”

Health secretary Wes Streeting denounced the scenes as “appalling” and said “the BBC and Glastonbury have got questions to answer about how we saw such a spectacle on our screens”.