Keir Starmer ‘concerned’ over Kanye West UK festival dates
Keir Starmer ‘concerned’ over Kanye West UK festival dates
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has voiced apprehension about Kanye West’s scheduled performances at the Wireless Festival in London this summer. The rapper, now referred to as Ye, has faced significant backlash for his antisemitic remarks, which he formally apologized for in January. Starmer, in remarks shared by the Sun on Sunday, highlighted that West was selected for the event “despite his prior antisemitic comments and celebration of Nazism.”
Pepsi withdraws sponsorship amid controversy
Following Starmer’s comments, Pepsi has confirmed it will no longer support the three-day festival, which is branded as “Pepsi presents Wireless.” The festival’s website, as of Sunday lunchtime, still listed Pepsi MAX as a long-standing partner, though the sponsor’s decision to pull out has been finalized.
“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” said Sir Keir. “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain remains a safe space for Jewish people.”
Ye’s history of controversial statements
Kanye West, 48, was announced as the headliner for all three days of the Wireless Festival earlier this week. His planned appearance has sparked debate, with some calling for stricter measures against his antisemitic views. The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, urged the government to ban West from entering the UK, framing the situation as “extremely serious.”
West’s actions have included public declarations of Nazi affiliation and selling swastika-emblazoned T-shirts through his clothing site. In 2022, his social media account was suspended multiple times for violating platform guidelines. He also faced criticism for wearing a “white lives matter” T-shirt at Paris fashion week.
“I am not a Nazi or an antisemite,” West wrote in a January statement. “Bipolar disorder means when you’re manic, you don’t think you’re sick. I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state.”
Recent gestures toward reconciliation
West recently held a meeting with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto in November 2025, during which he reportedly apologized for his past antisemitic comments. He further addressed the issue in a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, acknowledging his behavior.
Despite these gestures, the Board of Deputies of British Jews has called for West to be barred from entering the UK. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan’s office stated that the festival organizers made the decision to book West, emphasizing that it reflects “not reflective of London’s values.”
Festival details and future prospects
The Wireless Festival, running from 10 to 12 July, is marketed as a “three-night journey through his most iconic records.” While West’s latest album Bully has three tracks in the UK’s top 100 singles chart, his absence from the UK since 2015—when he headlined Glastonbury—has raised questions about his current relevance.
Organizers of the festival, Festival Republic, have yet to comment on the controversy, leaving the situation open to further scrutiny. The Home Office has not received a formal application for West’s UK entry, adding to the political tension surrounding his participation.
