Alex Easton MP has today called on Belfast City Council to urgently review its support and funding for events where the group Kneecap is scheduled to perform, including Belfast Vital and Féile an Phobail.
Speaking following a question to the Government in the House of Commons, Mr Easton said:
“It is deeply alarming that public property and public funding are being used to support events involving a group like Kneecap, particularly in light of disturbing video footage which has recently emerged from a gig in November 2023. The video appears to show a member of the group stating, ‘The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.’
This is not art. This is not culture. This is the glorification of political violence, and it has no place in a democratic society. For any group to incite hatred and call for the murder of elected representatives is utterly reprehensible.
I have raised this matter directly with the Government, who have made it clear that all public bodies have a duty to ensure taxpayers’ money is spent appropriately. Belfast City Council must now urgently reconsider its position. It is completely unacceptable for ratepayer money to be used—directly or indirectly—to promote such messages of hate and division.
I am calling on Belfast City Council to immediately review its funding of Féile an Phobail, its support for Belfast Vital, and to ensure that no further public endorsement is given to groups that incite violence or promote sectarianism.”
Mr Easton concluded by urging all public bodies to remember the responsibility they carry in fostering peace, respect, and democratic values across Northern Ireland.
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
