Starmer criticises 'palling' Bob Vylan IDF chants

```html Glastonbury Acts Spark Outrage Over Pro-Palestine Chants; BBC Faces Scrutiny
Glastonbury Festival has become embroiled in controversy after performances by punk duo Bob Vylan and Irish rap group Kneecap drew criticism for their pro-Palestine sentiments, including chants deemed by some as antisemitic and inciting violence. The BBC, which broadcast portions of the festival live, is facing increased scrutiny for its editorial decisions regarding the performances.
Political Condemnation and Public Reaction
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has condemned Bob Vylan for urging "death" to Israeli troops, calling it "appalling hate speech." Sir Keir Starmer also criticized both Bob Vylan and Kneecap, stating there is "no excuse for this kind of appalling hate speech." He previously stated that Kneecap should not have been given a platform, and this sentiment extends to any performer making threats or inciting violence.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has reportedly pressed BBC Director-General Tim Davie for an explanation of the broadcaster's vetting process. A government spokesperson welcomed the BBC's decision not to re-broadcast Bob Vylan’s performance on BBC iPlayer. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described Bob Vylan's comments as "revolting," highlighting the irony given the attacks on a music festival in Israel last year.
BBC's Response and Editorial Decisions
The BBC acknowledged that some of the comments made during Bob Vylan's performance were "deeply offensive" and issued an on-screen warning about "very strong and discriminatory language." The performance will not be available on BBC iPlayer.
While the BBC did not broadcast Kneecap's set live due to impartiality concerns, a pre-edited version was later made available on iPlayer. The BBC stated that the content had been edited to ensure it "falls within the limits of artistic expression in line with our editorial guidelines" and that strong language had been signposted with "appropriate warnings."
Glastonbury's Stance and Future Implications
Glastonbury Festival organizers have stated they were "appalled" by Bob Vylan's statements, adding that the chants "very much crossed a line." A joint statement from the festival and organizer Emily Eavis emphasized that the event stands "against all forms of war and terrorism" and that there is "no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence." They are reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival about this policy.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism has announced it will formally complain to the BBC over its "outrageous decision" to broadcast Bob Vylan's performance and Kneecap's performance.
Artistic Expression vs. Incitement: A Delicate Balance
The controversy raises complex questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the responsibility of broadcasters to ensure impartiality and prevent the spread of hate speech. Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a media ethics professor at the University of Cardiff, notes, "Festivals like Glastonbury have historically been platforms for counter-cultural voices and political expression. However, broadcasters must carefully consider the potential impact of airing content that could be perceived as inciting violence or promoting discrimination."
“The BBC's editorial guidelines aim to strike a balance between allowing for diverse perspectives and upholding standards of accuracy and impartiality," adds media analyst Mark Lawson. "This incident highlights the challenges in navigating that balance, particularly in the context of highly sensitive and politically charged issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
Legal Review and Police Investigation
Avon and Somerset Police have stated they will review footage of comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.
Separately, the Metropolitan Police previously stated that they would not pursue prosecution against Kneecap after videos emerged in April appearing to show them calling for the death of British MPs, citing the statutory time limit for prosecution of summary offences.
Background on the Artists
Bob Vylan: An English punk duo known for their politically charged lyrics and outspoken views. Kneecap: An Irish-language rap group who have previously described Israel's military action in Gaza as a genocide. Rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara, is currently on bail after being charged with a terrorism offence related to displaying a Hezbollah flag at a gig last year.
```
Originally sourced from: BBC Entertainment