Kneecap: Kemi Badenoch blames 'cowardly' Labour for settlement
Photo credit: Michael Cooper
Kneecap's application for funding was rejected because it was claimed that they "are against the United Kingdom as a whole."
Catherine Morrison and Adam Mandeville
Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, expressed that it is "incredible" the Labour government has chosen not to fight against a discrimination lawsuit filed by the Belfast rap group Kneecap.
The group achieved victory in its lawsuit against the UK government regarding a choice made by Badenoch during her time as a minister to retract funding for the arts.
The group received a funding of £14,250, which is the same sum they were originally given.
A representative from the government stated that they chose not to pursue the band's legal challenge any further, as they feel it is not beneficial for the public.
They further stated, "The main focus of this administration is to lower expenses and safeguard taxpayers from additional costs."
Badenoch referred to the action as "another spineless choice following the handover of the Chagos Islands."
A representative for the Conservative leader stated, "Labour will consistently give in instead of standing up for the interests of the UK."
The choice to deny the grant, made by Badenoch while she served as the minister of business and trade, was labeled in court by Kneecap's lawyer as "illegal and lacking proper procedure."
In a statement, the band expressed that Badenoch and her department attempted to suppress their voice, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
The band announced that it would divide the £14,250 equally between two youth organizations that support both Protestant and Catholic communities in Northern Ireland, with the aim of fostering a brighter future for young people.
Kemi Badenoch, currently the leader of the Conservative Party, stepped in to prevent the funding during her time as business secretary.
In December 2023, Kneecap submitted an application for funding intended to assist UK-based artists in reaching international markets.
The group, which has drawn attention for their lyrics and political views, was initially approved for funding. However, they were later denied the financial support after the Department for Business and Trade intervened.
At that time, a representative for Kemi Badenoch, who was the UK Business Secretary, stated that they were not willing to give taxpayers' money to individuals who were against the United Kingdom.
The band's music and promotional efforts prominently highlight themes associated with Irish republicanism and resistance to British control in Northern Ireland.
The group has attracted attention for various reasons and claimed that their 2019 tour, called Farewell to the Union, upset the former Conservative government.
Kneecap has also upset unionists in Northern Ireland. One of their most famous songs is titled "Get Your Brits Out," which is a satirical rap where the band imagines a wild, drug-infused night out with well-known figures from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Band member DJ Próvaí showed up at the court on Friday morning accompanied by his lawyer, Darragh Mackin.
In a statement after the court hearing last Friday, band member DJ Próvaí remarked, "This issue has never been about the £14,250; it could just as easily have been 50p."
The group stated that their reason for pursuing the case was "fairness."
"This was an assault on artistic expression, a direct challenge to the Good Friday Agreement, and a strike against Kneecap and our unique form of communication."
After the settlement, a representative for Badeonch commented, "This situation isn't about whether a band encourages violence or harbors dislike for the UK, which is clearly the case with Kneecap. Rather, it focuses on whether government officials can prevent taxpayer funds from supporting individuals who don't require or deserve such assistance."
The Labour party seems more interested in squandering your funds than confronting a group of Irish republicans who are taking legal action against the UK government for financial support.
Kneecap: ‘The court decision is a triumph for the right to express oneself’
Kneecap announced that it will distribute the funds they received to two charities in Belfast: Glór Na Móna located in Ballymurphy and RCity Belfast situated on the Shankill Road.
Sarah Jane Waite, the director of RCity Belfast, extended her gratitude to Kneecap for their generous support.
She mentioned that the contribution will support various initiatives, encompassing both local and global programs.
Feargal Mac Ionnrachtaigh, the executive director of Glór Na Móna, expressed that the announcement regarding the funding came as a delightful surprise.
The club, located in west Belfast, was once frequented by Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a member of Kneecap who goes by the stage name Mo Chara.
Mr. Mac Ionnrachtaigh mentioned that they are a community organization based in an underprivileged area, and the funds will be utilized effectively, including for the development of a new facility.
"The important thing for us is that, 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement, we've developed a sector using the Irish language, yet we still find ourselves in temporary structures and inadequate living conditions," he said during an interview on BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra program.
"This contribution directly supports that cause."
Image credit: Glór na Móna
Mo Chara from Kneecap was formerly part of Glór na Móna in Ballymurphy.
Mr. Mac Ionnrachtaigh mentioned that Mo Chara represents a "new wave" of young people who speak Irish and are benefiting from the services offered by Glór Na Móna. He also noted that he plans to meet with the group on Friday evening to express his gratitude for their donation.
"Kneecap is fundamentally focused on driving social change by engaging young people, utilizing art, and embracing culture. Both of these youth projects reflect this mission," he explained.
"This funding we received today will significantly enhance that."
Kneecap is a rap group from west Belfast that performs in Irish. They have attracted attention for their controversial lyrics and merchandise.
The band was established in 2017 by three friends known as Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí.
Their journey to stardom led to a partly fictional movie featuring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender.
The movie received enthusiastic feedback and took home a viewer's choice award at the Sundance Film Festival.
Photo credit: Luke Brennan
The members use the stage names Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí.
Nonetheless, the group has encountered backlash and restrictions due to their politically provocative lyrics, which often include strong language and references to drug use.
The way they incorporate imagery related to the Troubles has upset certain critics.
