Keir Starmer ‘concerned’ over Kanye West UK festival dates

Keir Starmer ‘concerned’ over Kanye West’s UK festival appearances

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed worries about Kanye West’s planned performances at the Wireless Festival in London this summer. The rapper, now known as Ye, has faced backlash for his past antisemitic remarks, which he later apologized for in January. Starmer’s comments, initially shared by the Sun on Sunday, highlighted that West was scheduled to perform despite his history of antisemitic statements and endorsing Nazi imagery.

Pepsi, the headline sponsor of the Wireless Festival, has announced its decision to end its support for the event. The three-day festival, set for July 10-12, was previously branded as “Pepsi presents Wireless.” As of Sunday, the festival’s website still listed Pepsi MAX as a long-term partner, but the sponsorship withdrawal is now confirmed.

“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” Starmer stated. “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”

Kanye West, 48, was announced as the headliner for all three days of the Wireless Festival earlier this week. His setlist will feature a “three-night journey through his most iconic records,” according to the organizers. However, Jewish community leaders and some politicians have raised questions about his inclusion.

The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, suggested the government should restrict West’s entry into the UK, calling his appearance “extremely serious” and urging a stronger stance against antisemitism. The Home Office has not yet received an application for his visa. West was previously barred from Australia after releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler,” which praised Nazi figures.

West’s recent actions include retracted apologies and controversial statements. In 2022, his X account was banned multiple times for violating rules with antisemitic posts. He also faced criticism for wearing a “white lives matter” T-shirt during Paris fashion week, leading to Adidas ending their partnership with him.

Despite past controversies, West has made recent efforts to clarify his position. In November 2025, he met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, reportedly apologizing for his earlier antisemitic comments. Later, he published a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, stating: “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. When you’re manic, you don’t think you’re sick. I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state.”

West has not performed in the UK since 2015, when he headlined Glastonbury. His latest album, Bully, released in March, includes three tracks in the UK’s top 100 singles chart. Meanwhile, the Board of Deputies of British Jews urged a ban on his entry, arguing his past behavior does not align with London’s values. The London Mayor’s office confirmed it was not involved in the decision, which was made by the festival organizers.