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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Holly Patrick

Ed Davey calls for Kanye West to be banned from UK

Sir Ed Davey has said Kanye West should be banned from the UK following the announcement that he is to headline London's Wireless Festival 2026.

The controversial rapper, 48, has a history of antisemitism, includes describing himself as a Nazi, releasing a song called “Heil Hitler”, selling T-shirts with swastikas on, spending time with white supremacist Nick Fuentes and repeatedly making antisemitic statements.

Wireless will be his first performance in the UK in more than a decade.

"The Home Secretary should ban him from coming to this country. We've got to take antisemitism more seriously," Sir Ed said at a press conference.

The announcement has also been met with backlash from Jewish leaders, as well as Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan.

West bought out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal where he issued an apology for his behaviour, attributing it to his bipolar-1 disorder in January.

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