Starmer ‘concerned’ over Kanye West UK festival dates

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has voiced worry about Kanye West’s planned appearance at the Wireless Festival in London this summer. The event, set to take place in July, will feature the rapper as its headliner for all three days. Starmer’s concerns stem from West’s earlier antisemitic statements, which he admitted to in January, and his public support for Nazi ideology.

Following the news, Pepsi, the festival’s main sponsor, announced it would “retract its financial support” of the event. The company’s decision was reported by the BBC, citing West’s “previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.” Starmer emphasized that “antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” adding that “everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”

Political Reactions

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for a ban on West’s entry into the UK, stating that “we need to get tougher on antisemitism” and framing the rapper’s appearance as “extremely serious.” Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch echoed this sentiment, arguing that “we are seeing a huge increase in antisemitism globally” and that “not platforming people who make antisemitic statements” is essential to combating hatred.

Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, meanwhile, suggested he would “not buy a ticket” for the event. These reactions have intensified since West’s controversial actions last year, including his “Heil Hitler” song and T-shirts adorned with swastikas, which led to his temporary exclusion from Australia and the end of his partnership with Adidas.

West’s Apology and Recent Actions

In November 2025, West reportedly met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto to apologize for past antisemitic comments. He later published a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, declaring, “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite” and attributing his earlier behavior to “bipolar disorder” during manic episodes. “I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state,” he wrote.

Despite these efforts, West’s social media presence faced scrutiny in 2022 when his X account was banned multiple times for posts deemed offensive. One such tweet displayed a symbol merging a swastika with the Star of David and claimed he would “go death con 3 on Jewish people.” He also sparked backlash by wearing a “white lives matter” T-shirt at Paris fashion week.

Wireless Festival organizers, Festival Republic, have defended their choice, with the event’s website still listing Pepsi as a “long-standing partner” at the time of the report. The London Mayor’s office stated it “is clear the artist’s past comments are offensive and wrong,” though it stressed the decision was made by the festival organizers, not City Hall.

Current Musical Impact

West’s latest album, Bully, released in March, includes three tracks that have entered the UK’s top 100 singles chart. The Wireless Festival has described the event as a “three-night journey through his most iconic records,” highlighting the rapper’s ongoing influence in the music scene. However, the controversy surrounding his participation continues to draw attention from both the public and political figures.