36 h. ago ‘We just want to stop people being murdered’: Kneecap on Palestine, protest and provocation

Exclusive: The Irish rap trio have recently faced censure and a court case, but have also had support for their pro-Palestine stance. Ahead of a Glastonbury appearance deemed ‘inappropriate’ by Keir Starmer, they argue the backlash against them is a deliberate distractionIn April, the Irish-language rap trio Kneecap performed two sets at Coachella, the California music festival attended by 250,000 people. As is commonplace at the group’s shows, Kneecap displayed a message stating: “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people,” and the words “Fuck Israel. Free Palestine”. Mo Chara, one of the group’s members, told the audience: “The Palestinians have nowhere to go. It’s their fucking home and they’re bombing them from the skies. If you’re not calling it a genocide, what the fuck are you calling it?”Within a week, Kneecap’s US booking agent had dropped them, Fox News had likened the statements to “Nazi Germany”, a handful of summer shows had been cancelled, and two vi...

Events

49 h. ago Voices: Don’t blame Morgan McSweeney – this welfare mess is Keir Starmer’s fault

The prime minister will survive the rebellion over benefits cuts, because he will cave in to his MPs demands on welfare – but from here on, things will only get worse for him, says John Rentoul

Politics

52 h. ago Morgan McSweeney: Is welfare backlash the beginning of the end for Starmer’s right

Labour prime minister’s chief of staff under fire over crisis around plans to limit disability and sickness-related benefits writes Kate Devlin

Politics

53 h. ago Starmer preparing for welfare climbdown amid backlash over benefit cuts

The prime minister admitted that MPs want to see welfare reform ‘implemented with Labour values of fairness’

Politics

57 h. ago Starmer prepares welfare concessions amid backlash over benefit cuts

A minister said on Thursday discussions were underway about how to implement welfare reforms

Politics

68 h. ago Morgan McSweeney: Labour’s election fixer draws fire as welfare rebellion looms

Chief of staff to UK prime minister argues government needs to head off Nigel Farage by leaning to the right

Politics

68 h. ago Morgan McSweeney: Labour’s election fixer under fire as welfare rebellion looms

Chief of staff to UK prime minister argues government needs to head off Nigel Farage by leaning to the right

Politics

8 d. ago Senior Labour MP quits her post over planned DWP benefits cuts

Sir Keir Starmer has faced a backlash from some Labour MPs over proposals to reform the welfare system

Politics

8 d. ago London MP resigns from the government in protest over proposed welfare cuts

The resignation follows a backlash from MPs over Sir Keir Starmer’s planned welfare reforms

Politics