Image: Variety

Prime Minister Starmer Calls Kanye Headlining Wireless 'Deeply Concerning'

05 April, 2026.Britain.14 sources

Key Takeaways

Keir Starmer says it's deeply concerning Kanye West headlining Wireless Festival in London.
Kanye West's antisemitic remarks and praise of Nazism fuel criticism.
Pepsi withdrew Wireless Festival sponsorship amid backlash.

Festival Booking Sparks Outrage

Prime Minister Starmer called Kanye's booking deeply concerning due to his history of antisemitic remarks.

“- Published Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said it is "deeply concerning" that Kanye West is set to headline Wireless Festival in London this summer”

BBC

Pepsi withdrew its sponsorship amid the backlash.

BBC

Sir Keir said everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.

Kanye has not performed in the UK since 2015.

Calls to Ban Entry

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for the government to ban Kanye from entering the UK.

The Home Office has not yet received an application for West to enter.

bgnes

Last year, West was blocked from entering Australia after releasing a song titled Heil Hitler.

Festival organizers marketed the event as a three night journey through his most iconic records.

Historical Context and Community Reaction

The Board of Deputies of British Jews called the booking absolutely the wrong decision.

“- Get your news delivered straight to you by 7am - sign up to our new Morning Mail newsletter for FREE Sir Keir Starmer has condemned Wireless Festival for booking Kanye West as a headliner this summer due to his Nazi and anti-semitic messaging”