GB News host Bev Turner has launched a fiery tirade in defence of controversial rap trio Kneecap, as the Met Police have confirmed an investigation by the Counter-Terrorism Police.
The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is examining footage from two separate concerts held in November 2023 and November 2024 – featuring the band’s support for Hamas and Hezbollah during one gig, and calls to “kill your MP” during another.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed: “On 22 April, we were made aware of an online video believed to be from a music event in London in November 2024. Following this, we were made aware of a further video, believed to be from another music event in London in November 2023.
“Both videos were referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers, who have determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences linked to both videos.
“The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and enquiries remain ongoing at this time.”
Expressing her fury at the “outrageous” decision, Britain’s Newsroom Bev Turner leapt to the defence of the Belfast-based band.
She told GB News: “I think it is absolutely outrageous that politicians are deciding who can and can’t play at concerts.
“That’s the thing that sets a very dangerous precedent, because they’ve said that they shouldn’t be able to perform at Glastonbury.”
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Highlighting many controversial lyrics penned and performed by various acts at Glastonbury Festival, Bev fumed: “You could write out the lyrics of so many songs throughout history, which is problematic, particularly rappers.
“And there’s lots of artists defending them now – Paul Weller, Primal Scream, DJ Annie Mac, a lot of people in the music industry coming out and saying to politicians, get away from our music, it’s got nothing to do with you.”
Declaring her support for the band, Bev concluded: “I have to say, I’m with them!”
Sharing further details of the investigation, GB News Home and Security Editor Mark White told hosts Bev and Andrew Pierce: “The tour promoters are cancelling gigs right, left and centre.
“There’s another few gigs that were planned for Germany in the summer that have been cancelled, because of all the controversy swirling around.”
He added: “You could argue their comments crossed over into incitement because they said ‘the only good Tory is a dead Tory, kill your local MP’.
“At another concert, the band were heard telling the audience that they supported Hamas, a prescribed terrorist group. So given that, that is why the Metropolitan Police have been called on to investigate.”
In a statement, Kneecap claimed: “Let’s be unequivocal, we do not and never have supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never OK. We know this more than anyone, given our nation’s history.
“We also reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual ever. An extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, is now being exploited and weaponised as if it were a call to action. To the Amess and to the Cox families, we send you our heartfelt apologies. We never intended to cause you any hurt.”