UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ofcom seeks explanation from BBC after Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury chant aired, sparking government criticism and a police review of the footage.
As reported by The Independent, Ofcom has asked the BBC to explain how Bob Vylan’s “death to the IDF” chant was aired live during Glastonbury coverage.
Authorities in Avon and Somerset have confirmed they are reviewing footage of Bob Vylan and Kneecap’s performances after a rapper urged fans to “start a riot.”
What did Ofcom say about the BBC’s Bob Vylan broadcast?
Ofcom said the BBC must explain why it allowed Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance, which included the “death to the IDF” chant, to be broadcast live.
The regulator’s spokesperson said it has asked the BBC to explain how the controversial remarks were aired, though a formal inquiry hasn’t begun yet.
Ofcom stated in a statement,
“We are very concerned about the live stream of this performance, and the BBC clearly has questions to answer.”
They added,
“We have been speaking to the BBC over the weekend and we are obtaining further information as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.”
Government response to the BBC’s Glastonbury coverage
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the chants as “appalling” and demanded an explanation from the BBC.
Officials said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy raised concerns with BBC Director General Tim Davie following the controversial performance.
She demanded an
“urgent explanation about what due diligence it carried out ahead of the Bob Vylan performance, and welcomes the decision not to re-broadcast it on BBC iPlayer.”
BBC views on Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury chant
The BBC described the chant as “deeply offensive” and highlighted its prior use of an on-screen warning to alert viewers.
The broadcaster has since said it regrets airing the show live. It cited the inclusion of “utterly unacceptable” comments and “antisemitic sentiments.”
What did Avon police say about the Glastonbury chant videos?
Avon and Somerset Police posted on social media,
“We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon.”
They added,
“Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.”
What did Kneecap’s Mo Chara say about “starting a riot”?
At Glastonbury, Kneecap member Mo Chara urged the audience to “start a riot” ahead of fellow rapper Móglaí Bap’s upcoming court date. The remarks were not broadcast by the BBC.
He later clarified his remarks, stating,
“No riots—just love, support, and solidarity with Palestine.”
Amid criticism of his chant, Bobby Vylan released a statement defending his position and calling for a shift in foreign policy. “I said what I said,” he stated.
What did Wes Streeting say about Glastonbury’s pro-Palestine chant?
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called chants of “death to the Israeli military” at Glastonbury “appalling.” He said both the BBC and the festival must be held accountable, adding that Israel should “get its own house in order.”
Mr Streeting said,
“I thought it’s appalling, to be honest, and I think the BBC and Glastonbury have got questions to answer about how we saw such a spectacle on our screens. “But I also think it’s a pretty shameless publicity stunt, which I don’t want to give too much indulgence to for that reason.”
Referring to the Israeli embassy’s response to the chants at Glastonbury, he stated,
“Well, I’d say sort of two things in response to those words from the Israeli embassy. Firstly, I do think that if I take the equivalent of the war in Ukraine, I’m unequivocal about which side of that war I’m on. I want Ukraine to win. Would I be celebrating or chanting for the death of Russian soldiers? No, I want to see an end to the war, and I want to see an end to the conflict.”
The health secretary added,
“I’d also say to the Israeli embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your citizens and the settlers in the West Bank. So, you know, I think there’s a serious point there by the Israeli embassy that I take seriously. I wish they’d take the violence of their citizens towards Palestinians more seriously.”