Photo Credit: Getty Images
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the decision to book Kanye West for this summer's Wireless Festival, saying the rapper's planned appearance raises serious concerns because of his past antisemitic and pro-Nazi remarks.
West, who now goes by Ye, was recently announced as the headline act for all three nights of the London music festival in July, marking what would be his first UK performance in more than a decade.
Speaking after the announcement, Sir Keir said it was "deeply concerning" that the artist had been invited to perform despite his history of inflammatory public statements.
"Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears," he said, adding that Britain must remain a country where Jewish communities feel protected.
The backlash has intensified in recent days, with growing calls for the rapper to be barred from entering the UK altogether.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has argued that ministers should consider preventing West from performing, while Jewish leaders and campaign groups have also questioned whether the booking is appropriate.
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said many in the Jewish community would view the decision as deeply troubling at a time of heightened concern over antisemitism.
West has repeatedly sparked outrage in recent years through social media posts, offensive slogans and statements praising Adolf Hitler and Nazism. He also released a controversial song and previously described himself as a Nazi, prompting widespread condemnation.
Although the rapper later apologised in a public statement and said his bipolar disorder contributed to his actions during a manic period, critics remain unconvinced.
Some campaigners fear the festival appearance could inflame tensions further, especially if West uses the stage to repeat past rhetoric.
The Home Office has not publicly indicated whether a visa application has been submitted.
Wireless organisers have promoted the performances as a major comeback moment for the rapper, but the announcement has now become overshadowed by political pressure, public criticism and renewed debate over where the music industry should draw the line on hate speech and accountability.
