Kenny MacAskill defends Kneecap after 'kill your MP' video
MacAskill, a former Scottish justice secretary, insisted there had been a 'kneejerk reaction' to Kneecap's comments, adding that calls to have them banned from the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow are 'utterly pointless'.
He claimed on the BBC's Scotcast the band are being targeted for being outspoken on the actions of Israel in Gaza and what they said on stage in November 2023 was a 'throwaway comment'.
A video emerged from a November 2023 gig, appearing to show a member of the group saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.'
John Swinney said Kneecap should be cut from the TRNSMT line-up on the back of the comments saying they had 'crossed a line'.
READ MORE: Kneecap break silence amid calls to prosecute and cut from TRNSMT
But MacAskill said the reaction to the clip had been 'ludicrous'.
He said: 'I think it's a kneejerk reaction to Kneecap, I think it's utterly pointless.
'The band have issued an apology for what was a throwaway remark some two years ago taken entirely out of context.
'There was a time when I grew up when people were calling for the banning of the Beatles because of things they had said relating themselves to being bigger than Jesus Christ or whatever. We've moved on from there, they've apologised for it, said it wasn't to be taken in the context that had been put forward, so let them get on with it.
'This is just ludicrous.'
MacAskill said the 'real wrong' was the actions of Israel in carrying out a genocide in Gaza, which Kneecap has consistently called out.
(Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus) The Alba leader went on: 'This is two years ago, no one was expressing outrage two years ago. What has happened since then is not just that Kneecap have exploded in terms of getting the band's profile, but they've been very outspoken regarding the genocide that's taking place in Gaza.
'People seem outraged about Kneecap having mentioned that throwaway line and yet Britain is facilitating genocide in Gaza, kids are dying by the score on a daily basis.
'I think I know where the real wrong is and the real wrong is what is being perpetrated by Israel, not a remark by the band Kneecap several years ago.'
When it was suggested to him there are other views on what is happening in Gaza, MacAskill criticised the BBC's coverage of Israel's assault on the enclave.
He said: 'There are not alternatives to what is going on in Gaza. Let's be clear, there is a genocide in Gaza, that is fully accepted and documented.
'That is why the BBC has been getting into disrepute with its failure to call out Israel's action and the reason Kneecap is getting focus now is because they have been outspoken, they are capturing a generation of young people who are also appalled at a genocide that is taking place within their lifetime.
'So this is about closing down arguments about actions of Israel. Nothing to do with the throwaway remark.'
READ MORE: Politicians want to cancel Kneecap – but stay silent on Chris Brown playing Hampden
In a statement posted on X, the Belfast group – Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh – said they 'reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual.
The band said they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah and condemned all attacks on civilians, apologising to the families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, saying 'we never intended to cause you hurt'.
They said a video extract had been deliberately taken out of context and was being 'exploited and weaponised'.
The band's gig at the Eden Project scheduled for July has been cancelled following the emergence of the footage.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
23 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The SNP's blockade of nuclear power in Scotland is out of date
In a last throw of the dice, the SNP tried to undercut the UK Government's plan for a nuclear energy future by insisting that they would concentrate on wind and solar power to keep the lights on in Scotland ... without nuclear power. It was all a bit pathetic. Even before Ed Milliband, the Energy Secretary, had finished his oration on the UK's welcome new energy policy, the 'flat earthers' in the SNP and Greens were out in force denouncing what they claim were the dangers of nuclear power. And what was most pathetic was the fact that renewable power will probably always play a part in Britain's energy needs – after all, Mr Milliband is a fan – alongside a new £14-billion nuclear programme. But with an SNP Government, only renewables will count; no nuclear allowed is to be their policy. What's wrong with both, asks the man and woman in the street? The answer is simple: John Swinney's 'die in a ditch' dislike of nuclear power may be legendary but it is also outdated at a time when the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened the world's oil and gas supplies. And the recent power shutdown in Spain, which also affected Portugal and parts of France, has raised serious questions about renewables such as wind and solar power. In spite of this, the First Minister has often declared that he 'never had and never will' support investment in nuclear power plants. This puts him in direct opposition to the UK's energy plan, and also without a cogent policy for how he would keep Scotland's lights on. His view, however, is not just opposed by Labour and Conservatives, but even by SNP supporters. A recent opinion survey suggested that a majority now believe that their party's stance is, at the very least, 'unrealistic'. It has always looked hypocritical for Scotland to benefit from nuclear power when its SNP Government continued to oppose it, and the rest of the UK shouldered the burden, But this attitude now looks perverse. UK energy policy the preserve of Westminster, but the Scottish Government retains power over planning – SNP ministers have used planning controls to block the construction of any new nuclear plants in Scotland. They did this despite one of Scotland's two ageing nuclear power stations, the Hunterston B plant in North Ayrshire, shutting down in January 2022. And Torness, which still accounts for around 15 per cent of Scotland's electricity generation, is due to close in 2030. Ian Murray, Labour's Scottish Secretary, posted on X: 'The SNP block on new nuclear is costing Scotland jobs and investment.' Michael Shanks, the energy minister and twice recent victor over SNP candidates in Rutherglen, echoed Mr Murray's pledge that an incoming Labour Scottish Government next May would abolish the SNP's opposition to nuclear. First of all, however, Labour must win that election to the Holyrood Parliament. Around 20,000 Scottish jobs were already dependent on the nuclear power industry and 150 Scottish firms were working on the Hinkley Point C plant. Mr Shanks added that many more jobs would be in the pipeline for Scotland with a Scottish Government that 'unashamedly backs nuclear power'. The energy situation is bound to play a massive part in next year's Scottish Parliament election. How strange that Labour will be saying that both renewables and nuclear will play a part in keeping the lights on, while the SNP will insist that only half of that equation is enough.
The Herald Scotland
24 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
SNP rebels in bid to oust Swinney after by-election defeat
They warned there could be a "clear out' in the internal elections, with challenges for key positions including depute leader and national secretary. SNP badges and stickers (Image: PA) It is understood the meeting was ostensibly about forcing the party to move forward on independence, but there was a unanimous view that the First Minister 'has no intention of putting independence anywhere near the party's narrative whatsoever.' One source said: 'If there is nothing in the next couple of weeks from the leadership, then conference will be a bloodbath.' READ MORE Though they doubted that any MSP or MP would challenge Mr Swinney directly, they said it did not matter if the only competition came from an activist, as any contest would be 'hugely damning and damaging, and make the party look utterly ridiculous.' Under SNP rules, any member who can secure 100 nominations from 20 different branches ahead of party conference can trigger a leadership vote. An SNP insider said: 'NEC members better start looking for new hobbies unless the leadership announces a change of direction soon — because at this rate we are heading for a mass clear-out. 'It feels like Groundhog Day. The last time John was in charge he dropped independence, surrounded himself only by people who agreed with him, and pushed out the likes of Margo [McDonald] and anyone who challenged his devolutionist strategy. 'For those with short memories, that ended in a bruising defeat. If he stays, we will be heading for a repeat. What is left of the membership will not tolerate it. 'The ability to make the case for independence is not a desirable part of the job description — it is essential — and he has failed on probation. 'The Presbyterian schoolmaster might fly in Perthshire — but in the rest of Scotland it just does not land. Stabilising the party only works for a short time. There is no energy, no fire, no boldness, no long-term vision.' READ MORE Last week's Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election saw the SNP lose to Labour by 602 votes. The party had been favourites, with Mr Swinney insisting Labour were out of the contest and that it was a two-horse race between his party and Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Yesterday, the constituency's new MSP, Davy Russell, took his oath at Holyrood and, in a speech on the steps of the garden lobby, said his win could be a 'springboard' to Labour winning power next year. Labour's newest MSP, Davy Russell's first day in Holyrood (Image: Andrew Milligan/ PA Wire) The seat had been held by Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie until her death earlier this year at the age of 57. At a press conference on Friday, Mr Swinney insisted there had been progress for his party when the result was measured against their dire performance at last year's general election. One MSP told The Herald on Sunday that that was not enough. They said it was time for Mr Swinney to make changes to his top team. 'I think a proper ministerial reshuffle is required, and an exercise undertaken to seek new policies. For example, I would call in the former MPs who have experience but have had time to refresh their perspective. 'I can sense that many — for the first time — are now nervous, and rightfully so. 'On independence — again, it can never be enough to simply run a competent devolved government without a vision of what could be.' On Friday, Mr Swinney said he would 'consider all issues around the ministerial team'. Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Màiri McAllan, he added, would return from maternity leave soon. Mr Swinney's previous time in charge saw the party's vote share and number of seats fall. He resigned in 2004, paving the way for the return of Alex Salmond. Asked by the BBC on Sunday if he was still the man to lead the party, Mr Swinney said: 'Yes. Twelve months ago, the party turned to me. 'I was not seeking high office — I had held high office for a long time in my life — and the party turned to me, at a moment of real jeopardy, and asked me to use all of my skills and experience, and the loyalty I command in the party, to bring people together and focus us on the future.' Professor Sir John Curtice said the close battle for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse did not mean Anas Sarwar was a shoo-in for Bute House. The election expert told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'The recent message from opinion polls is the SNP is running at just over 30%, Labour is around 20%, so it seems a reasonable expectation that such a result would not mean Anas Sarwar is Scotland's next First Minister.' The First Minister avoided a leadership challenge last year when veteran SNP activist Graeme McCormick was talked out of a bid following a 'lengthy and fruitful conversation' with Mr Swinney. Mr McCormick said he had secured enough nominations to trigger a contest but would 'instead support John Swinney's nomination for Party Leader and First Minister of Scotland.' He said at the time: 'John and I agreed the challenges which the SNP, our Government and our people face, and explored new thinking on a range of issues which I am confident, as they are advanced, will inspire activists both within the SNP and wider independence movement in the following weeks and months. 'This is a fresh start for our members and our politicians, and I am sure that John's determination to deliver independence will be rewarded at the forthcoming General Election." The SNP has been approached for comment.
The National
30 minutes ago
- The National
Labour holds same contempt and arrogance towards Scotland as Tories
THE pattern is now clear and established. Keir Starmer's promised "reset" of the relationship between Westminster and Holyrood meant resetting it to the same old contempt and high-handed arrogance which we witnessed under the previous Conservative administration. When Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that she was going to axe the universal winter fuel payment for pensioners, the Scottish Government was reportedly given a mere 40 minutes' notice despite the fact that control of the equivalent benefit in Scotland is devolved to Holyrood. Holyrood was given little notice of the swingeing benefits cuts which Labour announced in March, even though some of the benefits affected in England and Wales are devolved in Scotland and the benefits cuts will entail a reduction in the annual block grant which forms the backbone of the Scottish budget. This week, the Labour government announced a U-turn on its massively unpopular axing of the winter fuel payment. The UK Government has so far failed to inform the Scottish Government how much extra the Scottish Government will receive as a result of this U-turn. Yet again, there has been no consultation with the Scottish Government on a critical issue affecting thousands in Scotland. READ MORE: Labour MSP Davy Russell sworn in to Scottish Parliament after by-election win Speaking on BBC Scotland's Good Morning Scotland this morning, Governor General Ian Murray first tried to insist that Scottish pensioners will now receive less than their counterparts in England and Wales as a result of Labour's U-turn, a Unionist talking point which had been calmly debunked by Scottish Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville on the same programme just minutes before. Murray then fell apart when asked how much extra funding the Scottish Government will get after Labour's winter fuel U-turn. He didn't know and ended up rambling on about NHS waiting lists as a distraction. If the Scottish Secretary, the man supposedly Scotland's voice in the UK Government cabinet, doesn't know what the financial implications of this U-turn are for the Scottish budget, then how exactly is the Scottish Government supposed to know? (Image: PA) In yet another instance of Scotland being marginalised and ignored by a Westminster government which continually assures us that it has Scotland's interests at heart, the SNP has pointed out that since taking office, this Labour government has committed £36 billion to energy projects in England since taking power last year but Scotland has scarcely registered at all, with the telling exception of the £3.4 billion electrical interconnection projects which will see two new high capacity electrical cables run from Scotland to England, one on the west coast and one on the east. This project is not about energy production, it is rather a means to facilitate the export of cheap Scottish energy to consumers in England. It's a project which some view as a form of colonialist resource extraction. As the BBC coyly put it in its report announcing the construction of the cables: "Although the link can carry electricity in both directions, the majority is expected to flow out of Scotland." That's like describing the British Museum as a benefit to Athens and the Parthenon. These are the only kinds of energy projects which the UK Government is willing to fund in Scotland. It's almost as though they expect Scotland to become independent and are determined to grab what they can before we go. (Image: PA) This week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £14.2 billion UK Government investment in the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Sussex. The nuclear plant is expected to take between nine and 12 years to build and cost around £20bn, according to initial estimates from 2020. However, in January, The Financial Times reported that the true cost of the reactor is expected to exceed £40 billion, and will not be ready until 2031 at the most optimistic date. When construction began on the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant in Somerset in 2017, it was expected to go on stream this year, but the project has been plagued by delays and cost overruns. The plant is now expected to be ready between 2029 to 2031 and is forecast to cost £41.6–47.9 billion rather than the original price tag of £18 billion when the project was commissioned. Meanwhile, the UK Government has still not spent any of the £200 million it promised to invest in Grangemouth, while GB Energy's budget has been repeatedly cut. The SNP opposes nuclear power in Scotland, and the party's energy spokesperson at Westminster Dave Doogan, accused the UK Government of pouring money into 'white elephants'. (Image: House of Commons) He said the Labour government was 'treating Scotland as an afterthought because of its prioritisation of English industries with a litany of investments made south of the Border over Scotland'. The SNP added: 'In total, since coming to office last year, the Labour Party has now committed £36bn to nuclear and carbon capture projects in England, whilst the Acorn Project has been forced to live with Labour's warm words, but not a penny of commitment.' Doogan said: 'Yet more billions has been committed to English nuclear projects, yet we have no investment in the Acorn Carbon Capture project, Grangemouth has been shut down and Westminster's fiscal regime has ruined North-East energy jobs – Scotland isn't just an afterthought, it's barely a thought at all. 'The evidence is clear that nuclear is extortionate, takes decades to build and the toxic waste is a risk to local communities – Scotland's future is in renewables, carbon capture and links to Europe, not more money for white elephants. 'It is absurd that energy rich Scotland is home to fuel poor Scots and that while energy bills go up, Scottish energy jobs are going down – that's directly as a consequence of Westminster policy and the further squandering of cash on expensive nuclear won't change that. 'Only the SNP firmly believe money from Scotland's natural resources should benefit Scotland's people – something that's an alien concept to Scottish Labour MPs who cheer on investment in England at the expense of Scottish industry.'
