UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick warned by Attorney General Lord Hermer not to prejudice future proceedings in Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh case
As reported by The Independent, Lord Hermer has warned Robert Jenrick not to risk prejudicing any future appeal in the Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh.
The 27-year-old rapper was charged with showing a Hezbollah flag at a London concert, but the case was dropped because of a technical mistake.
Last month, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said the charge against O hAnnaidh was unlawful and beyond his authority.
What did Lord Hermer tell Robert Jenrick in the letter on the Kneecap case?
The Attorney General urged Robert Jenrick to carefully consider statements to prevent risking future legal proceedings.
Lord Hermer wrote to Mr Jenrick that the Crown Prosecution Service is still considering whether to appeal the magistrate’s decision.
Mr Jenrick had earlier written to the Attorney General, calling for an urgent inquiry, saying it raised serious concerns about officials’ competence.
In response, Lord Hermer wrote,
“I share your disappointment in the outcome of the ruling. As I understand, you now accept that your original interpretation of what took place was incorrect, based on your changing public statements last week.”
He said,
“I am sure you are aware it is important for all senior politicians to ensure their public statements are supported by a basic understanding of the facts and the potential impact of their words on legal proceedings.”
Mr Hermer stated,
“You will be aware, not least from public reporting to this effect, that the CPS can still appeal the decision of the chief magistrate.”
The Attorney General added,
“Until a decision is taken on that question, and the prosecution is in fact finally resolved, I am sure you will carefully consider any further public comments to avoid any risk of prejudicing any future proceedings.”
He continued,
“I am also sure you will also agree that it makes sense to await the CPS’s decision on whether they intend to appeal, and the final resolution of any appeal before conducting any sort of post-mortem.”
In correspondence, Lord Hermer confirmed he provided consent “several hours” after the request was made on May 22.
He wrote,
“The CPS is operationally independent in its casework, and I am responsible for safeguarding this independent decision-making. This is crucial to ensuring that prosecutions in England and Wales remain free from political interference.”
Lord Hermer added,
“A key exception to this is where the CPS applies for law officer’s consent to a prosecution where it is required by law. As has been widely reported, the CPS applied to my office for consent on May 22 2025, which was provided several hours later.”
What did Lord Hermer write to Lord Wolfson about the Kneecap case?
Addressing Lord Wolfson, the shadow attorney general, Lord Hermer said,
“You will be aware that the CPS can still appeal the decision of the chief magistrate. Until a decision is taken on that question, and the prosecution is in fact finally resolved, I am sure you will carefully consider any further public comments to avoid any risk of prejudicing any future proceedings.”
The Attorney General dismissed the idea of launching an inquiry, saying it was sensible to await the CPS’s decision and the final outcome before any review.
What did Robert Jenrick say about Lord Hermer and Keir Starmer’s government?
Robert Jenrick compared Lord Hermer to a mafia lawyer, describing him as a “useful idiot for our enemies.”
He said,
“Like one of those infamous mafia lawyers of yesteryear, Hermer always chose a particular type of client, Shamima Begum, Osama bin Laden’s right-hand man, terrorists involved in 7/7.”
Mr Jenrick stated,
“Since taking office, the advice we’re told Lord Hermer has given to Starmer and his cronies, like to give away the Chagos islands to an ally of China, and to pay billions of pounds for the privilege – in each and every one of these incidents, he’s wasted no time establishing himself as a useful idiot for our enemies.”
He added,
“His rise symbolises the central truth of Keir Starmer’s government – Labour is just not on Britain’s side.”
Referring to the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Jenrick said,
“We all knew that Keir Starmer would be a bad prime minister, but I don’t think anyone anticipated he would be this bad. He’s combined the management style of David Brent with the administrative grip of Baldrick from Blackadder.”
The shadow justice secretary added,
“He has proven himself to be a freebie-grabbing, free speech-stifling, criminal-releasing, tax-raising, farmer-hating, Brexit-betraying, aspiration-sapping sorry excuse for a leader. This is someone who makes a hole in the air look substantial, Peter Mandelson appear trustworthy, and Mr Bean look like a model of competence and grip.
Mo Chara’s terrorism charge dismissal
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (born 1997) is a rapper and actor from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is a founding member of the Irish-language hip-hop trio Kneecap.
Mo Chara, the stage name of O hAnnaidh, faced a postal charge on May 21, though the Attorney General or Director of Public Prosecutions had not approved it.
The Metropolitan Police resent the postal charge to Liam Og O hAnnaidh after obtaining delayed permission, but with the May 22 date placed, it is beyond the legally allowed six-month period.
Key facts about the Kneecap band
Kneecap is a hip-hop trio from Belfast made up of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí. They rap in Irish and English about youth life and Irish republican issues.
The group is known for bold lyrics, wearing balaclavas, and referencing the Troubles. Their music often leads to political and legal controversies.
