, Member of Parliament for
Hemel Hempstead, has today called on major digital music
platforms Spotify and iTunes to remove content by the
controversial group Kneecap, amid growing concerns over
the group's alleged promotion of violence, extremism, and
antisemitism.
In his intervention during the Urgent Question, Mr Taylor said:
“Yesterday I wrote to Glastonbury Festival urging them to
remove this music group from their lineup. The reason I did this
is because they have allegedly called for the murder of
Conservative colleagues in this House. And because we've seen the
footage of them appearing to show support for Hezbollah and
Hamas, including the waving of a flag of the proscribed
organisation.
Words, as others have said, have tragic consequences. Beloved
colleagues and Sir were tragically murdered. 16
June 2016 remains one of the worst days of my life. And I know
many colleagues in this House feel the same.
I welcome the comments the Minister has made around
Glastonbury. I also ask, if he agrees with me that whilst there
is a police investigation, iTunes, Spotify, YouTube and others
should strongly consider taking their music off their platform
until that investigation is over? And may I also note the absence
of the Minister of the member for Islington north, who is not
present and not involved in this discussion? And will he join me
in calling to him to apologise for appearing in the photo with
that group?”
The call took place during an intervention in the House
of Commons, during an Urgent Question, and follows a letter he
sent yesterday to Glastonbury Festival founder Sir Michael Eavis,
in which he urged organisers to remove Kneecap from the
2025 line-up. In the letter, Mr Taylor wrote:
“If these reports are accurate, the group's actions and
statements go beyond the realm of legitimate political expression
and into the dangerous territory of inciting violence and
promoting extremism, as well as severe antisemitism.”
Mr Taylor warned that allowing the group to perform risks
undermining Glastonbury's long-standing reputation for promoting
peace, unity, and social responsibility.
