Keir Starmer Expresses Concern Over Kanye West Wireless Festival Dates

Published: 05 April 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has voiced deep concern over the announcement that American rapper Kanye West, now known as Ye, is set to headline the Wireless Festival in London this summer.

West, 48, has faced widespread criticism in recent years for antisemitic remarks, for which he issued a public apology in January. Despite this, he was announced as the headliner for all three days of the popular rap and R&B festival, taking place in north London from 10 to 12 July.

In comments first reported by the Sun on Sunday, Sir Keir described the booking as “deeply concerning,” highlighting that West was chosen “despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.” The Prime Minister added, “Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey also criticized the decision, suggesting the government should prevent West from entering the UK. He described the planned appearance as “extremely serious” and called for stricter measures against antisemitism. The BBC reports that the Home Office has not yet received any formal application from West to enter the UK.

West has previously faced international consequences for his actions. Last year, he was barred from entering Australia after releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler” that glorified the Nazi leader. Earlier in the same year, he had declared himself a Nazi, retracted a prior apology for antisemitic comments, and sold T-shirts featuring a swastika on his website.

In November 2025, West reportedly met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, offering apologies for past antisemitic statements. In January, he took out a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, reiterating his apology and citing bipolar disorder as a factor in his behavior, adding, “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state.”

West’s social media activity has also drawn scrutiny. His X account was repeatedly banned in 2022 for violating platform rules, including posts displaying a combined swastika and Star of David symbol and threats towards Jewish people. He also drew criticism for wearing a “white lives matter” T-shirt at Paris Fashion Week.

These actions led to corporate consequences, with Adidas severing ties with West, stating that it does not tolerate antisemitism or any other form of hate speech. West has not performed in the UK since 2015, when he headlined Glastonbury Festival.

Despite the controversy, three songs from his latest album Bully, released in March, are currently among the UK’s top 100 singles. Wireless Festival organisers Festival Republic described the event as “a three-night journey through his most iconic records.”

The Board of Deputies of British Jews has publicly called for West to be barred from entering the UK. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan’s office stated that West’s past comments and actions are “offensive and wrong” and do not reflect London’s values, while noting that the festival booking decision was made independently by the organisers.

The unfolding debate has highlighted tensions over freedom of expression, accountability, and the UK’s stance on antisemitism, drawing attention from political leaders, religious groups, and festival-goers alike.