Death Chants at Glastonbury Spark Uproar: UK Health Secretary Blasts BBC & Festival Over Broadcast
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has slammed the BBC and Glastonbury Festival over the broadcast of chants calling for the death of Israeli soldiers, branding the scenes as “appalling” and demanding accountability. His strong remarks come after disturbing footage aired from the festival showing crowds chanting “Death to the IDF” (Israel Defense Forces) and “Free Palestine”, stirring a firestorm of controversy.
Speaking on Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Streeting said the incident should never have been broadcast into people's homes, especially considering the horrors that took place at a similar music festival in Israel, where innocent people were kidnapped, raped, and murdered by Hamas.
“I found it absolutely appalling, and both the BBC and Glastonbury organisers have serious questions to answer about how such a disturbing spectacle made it to national screens,” he said. “Frankly, it looked like a shameless publicity stunt, and I don't think we should give it too much air.”
While condemning the chanting, Streeting also didn’t shy away from criticising Israel, urging the country to address its own wrongdoings, particularly regarding the recent attacks by Israeli settlers on a Christian village in the West Bank.
“All life is sacred,” he declared. “This isn’t a football match—we shouldn't be cheering for one side’s blood over another. It’s disgusting that the discourse around this conflict has devolved into something so tribal and inhumane.”
Responding to the Israeli embassy’s condemnation of the Glastonbury scenes, Streeting added a powerful analogy:
“When it comes to Ukraine, I clearly want them to win against Russia. But would I chant for the death of Russian soldiers? Absolutely not. I want peace and an end to conflict—and that same principle applies here.”
He didn't hold back when speaking directly to Israeli authorities either:
“I urge the Israeli embassy to look inward. Clean up the conduct of your settlers and stop ignoring violence against Palestinians. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the chaos in the West Bank demand attention.”
Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police have launched an investigation after two artists—Bob Vylan and Kneecap—stoked controversy during their performances on Glastonbury’s West Holts stage.
On Saturday, rapper Bobby Vylan led crowds in aggressive chants, including “Death to the IDF.” Hours later, Kneecap member Mo Chara (real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), who was previously charged with a terror offence for waving a Hezbollah flag at a 2023 London concert, urged fans to “start a riot” ahead of his upcoming court date.
Despite the heat, Mo Chara celebrated his appearance:
“Glastonbury, I’m a free man!” he shouted, thanking the Eavis family for supporting his right to perform. “Let’s look out for each other. If anyone falls, pick them up.”
Police confirmed they are reviewing video evidence to determine if any criminal offences occurred.
The Israeli embassy issued a strongly worded statement on X, saying:
“We are deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric seen on Glastonbury’s stage. Freedom of speech does not give license to promote ethnic cleansing or glorify violence. Chants like ‘From the river to the sea’ and ‘Death to the IDF’ promote the elimination of Israel and normalize dangerous extremism.”
The embassy called on Glastonbury organisers, artists, and UK leaders to denounce the rhetoric and take a stand against hate speech.
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, echoed the outrage, calling the scenes “grotesque” and warning:
“Glorifying violence against Jews is not edgy or radical. It’s dangerous. The West is playing with fire if it keeps tolerating this kind of incitement.”
When questioned about the controversy, festival organiser Emily Eavis defended Glastonbury’s diversity of voices:
“It’s been a year of heated discussions, but we remain a platform for artists from all over the world. Everyone is welcome here.”
Description:
"A political firestorm erupts after chants of "Death to the IDF" at Glastonbury spark backlash. UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting slams the BBC and festival organisers, while Israeli embassy and police launch investigations into inflammatory performances."