William Eichler 21 May 2025

Council leader refuses to back cancellation of rap group Kneecap

Council leader refuses to back cancellation of rap group Kneecap image
Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh of Kneecap attend the 27th British Independent Film Awards at The Roundhouse in London. © Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com.

The SNP administration of Glasgow City Council would not support a ban on the Irish rap group Kneecap performing in the city, council leader Susan Aitken said.

First Minister John Swinney previously backed calls for the band to be removed from the bill at Glasgow’s TRNSMT festival after they allegedly called for the death of MPs during a concert.

Kneecap has since apologised to the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox.

One member of the controversial rap outfit was also recorded shouting ‘Up Hamas, up Hezbollah’ at a gig, referring to Palestinian and Lebanese Islamist organisations which are on the British Government's list of proscribed terrorist organisations.

Speaking during a debate over Israel’s blockade of Gaza, Cllr Aitken said the ‘anger in many quarters was a sincere response’ to the band’s comments. ‘The UK is a state where MPs have been murdered in recent years. Words can and do matter.’

She added: ‘That – certainly not on the part of the SNP group – doesn’t translate into support for a ban on them playing in Glasgow or indeed anywhere else.’

 

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Adult Social Worker Mental Health

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Mental Health Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer)

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council
up to salary max £121,445 per annum
We are now seeking a Director of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer to play a pivotal role Hybrid / Kingston Upon Thames
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council

Principal Engineer - Adoptions

West Northamptonshire Council
£49,587 - £52,860
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Highways Engineer to join our Highways Development Management team at West Northamptonshire Council. This is a senior role leading on the assessment, negotiation, and delivery of highway works linked t Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Head of Highway Operations

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 15 £63,002 - £69,103 per annum
As we begin to implement our new structure, we have an exciting leadership opportunity as the head of our new operations service. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Trainee Roadworker Driver

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 5 £25,185 - £25,583 per annum
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking all aspects of highways maintenance and improvement works Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council
Linkedin Banner