A member of Kneecap has sparked fresh controversy after donning a T-shirt bearing the slogan “We Are All Palestine Action” ahead of the band’s Glastonbury set — a performance that will not be broadcast live by the BBC.
JJ Ó Dochartaigh was photographed wearing the shirt referencing the group, which has been linked to high-profile demonstrations targeting companies allegedly connected to Israel’s arms industry.
It comes a week after two Palestine Action members broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and damaged two Voyager planes.
1 hour to go..... pic.twitter.com/9iaOk2HDip
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) June 28, 2025
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has drafted a proscription order that would be laid before Parliament on Monday.
If passed, the order would make it illegal to be a member of, or invite support for, Palestine Action.
The image of Ó Dochartaigh wearing the clothing was shared on Kneecap’s official X account just an hour before their scheduled 4pm set on the West Holts Stage.
The performance went ahead despite ongoing backlash, including from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who earlier this week said the band “should not be performing at Glastonbury” in light of legal proceedings involving another band member, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (stage name Mo Chara).
He is currently on unconditional bail after being charged under the Terrorism Act for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag and chanting pro-Hezbollah and Hamas slogans during a London performance in November.
In anticipation of large crowds, festival organisers announced shortly before Kneecap’s set that the West Holts area was at capacity, with “no further access” permitted. Earlier, the site’s management warned that crowd control measures could include closing the field altogether.
In a statement, Glastonbury organisers advised: “Kneecap will draw a large audience… Please plan alternative routes around that area. If you do plan to attend, listen to stewards, and please have some other entertainment options in mind in case the field reaches capacity.”
The BBC confirmed on Saturday it would not livestream the band’s set, although it may become available on iPlayer later. “Whilst the BBC doesn’t ban artists, our plans ensure that our programming meets our editorial guidelines,” a spokesman said.
“We don’t always live stream every act… and look to make an on-demand version of Kneecap’s performance available.”
Tory MP Kemi Badenoch added to the criticism, calling Kneecap’s inclusion “inappropriate” and accusing the BBC of “rewarding extremism” if it aired the performance in any form. “One band member is currently on bail, charged under the Terrorism Act,” she posted. “The BBC should not be showing Kneecap propaganda.”
Kneecap, who perform in both English and Irish and are known for politically charged lyrics, addressed the row online, describing the BBC as “the propaganda wing of the regime” and calling their set “for your viewing pleasure”.
The group later posted a political statement on X, focusing on the conflict in Gaza and accusing British authorities of attempting to deflect from their role in international crises.
They denied supporting Hezbollah or Hamas, saying: “We do not, and have never, supported terrorist organisations. The footage (from London) was taken out of context as part of a coordinated smear campaign.”
The group has previously insisted their activism is rooted in non-violence and opposition to oppression, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ó hAnnaidh is next due at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 20.
Police remain on high alert at Glastonbury, with Avon and Somerset officers continuing to monitor the site around the clock.
