Latest news with #IrishRepublican
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
O'Neill and Foster to appear before Covid Inquiry
The Northern Ireland First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, and former First Minister Arlene Foster will appear before the Covid Inquiry on Wednesday. The sitting in London will concentrate on Stormont's approach to testing, tracing and isolation during the pandemic. It will also hear from the former Ulster Unionist health minister, Robin Swann, and Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride. The inquiry was ordered by the then prime minister Boris Johnson in May 2021 and public hearings began almost two years ago. Hearings are due to end next February. O'Neill, who became first minister in February 2024, faced claims she broke coronavirus guidelines in June 2020 when she attended the funeral of leading Irish Republican Bobby Storey. She had previously apologised for the hurt caused by her actions and any undermining of the public health message, but not for her attendance. She once said she would "never apologise for attending the funeral of a friend". But at the Covid Inquiry in May 2024 she said: "My actions compounded the hurt, my actions also angered families. I am sorry for going and I am sorry for the hurt that's been caused." When asked by the chair, Baroness Hallett, if she was aware of the hurt and anger at the time, O'Neill replied: "I didn't and I ought to have." Those hearings in Belfast also revealed the anger felt by former chief medical officer Michael McBride at how the executive had behaved during the pandemic The inquiry was shown a text message sent by him which described it as "politics at its worst" and that they should "hang their heads in shame", although he did not refer to anyone in particular. Baroness Foster, the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader, was first minister during the pandemic. When the inquiry met in Belfast last May she rejected suggestions the executive had "sleepwalked" during the pandemic. In reply to a claim by Clair Dobbin KC that it was "really difficult" to understand why basic response plans were not activated by the time it was declared, she said the idea "we would expose constituents to this in a wilful way is frankly offensive". She said she "totally and absolutely" rejected the claim, as the executive had been determined to work for the people of Northern Ireland. The former first minister insisted the executive had been receiving advice from health officials, and that the Department of Health was taking the lead on the initial response to the virus. Baroness Foster was Northern Ireland's first minister from 2016 to 2017 and during the pandemic from January 2020 until she resigned on 14 June 2021. She was leader of the DUP from 2016 to 2022. She told the inquiry she accepted responsibility for how the executive handled the Covid pandemic, saying Northern Ireland should have locked down sooner than it did to prevent more deaths. But she added: "We felt we had time and we didn't have time, and that's a source of great regret." It was, said Baroness Foster, the most difficult time of her political career. The inquiry also heard Baroness Foster questioned about her party's controversial use of a cross-community vote mechanism in autumn 2020 to prevent some Covid rules from being extended. Ministers didn't sleepwalk into pandemic - Foster Woman shares 'horrendous' experience of parents dying from Covid Stormont 'not really listened to' during Covid, inquiry hears
Sunday World
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Kneecap show at GB music festival cancelled amid ongoing controversy
The band are facing criticism over comments made at a previous gig A Kneecap show scheduled to take place in England during the summer has been cancelled. The band were due to perform as part of the Eden Sessions festival in Cornwall in July, but the organisers announced on Tuesday afternoon that the show has been cancelled. The west Belfast rappers are facing mounting criticism after footage emerged online appearing to show a band member saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP' at a show in November 2023. Kneecap (Photo by Kevin Scott) 'The balaclava has slipped'. Gavin Robinson reacts to Kneecap's MP comments The band issued an apology on Monday evening to the families of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, who were both murdered while serving as MPs, and said they had never supported Hamas or Hezbollah. Eden Sessions confirmed the cancellation of the show on their X account. "Eden Sessions Limited announced today that the Kneecap show scheduled for 4 July 2025 is cancelled,' they said. "Ticket purchasers will be contacted directly and refunded. Refunds will commence from Weds 30 April 2025 against the original payment cards used. Please allow six working days.' It comes after DUP leader Gavin Robinson earlier accused the band of 'crocodile tears' over their apology, which said their comments had been 'deliberately taken out of all context'. Mr Robinson said the band's 'balaclava has slipped'. "Whilst we have heard over the last 24 hours crocodile tears, confected apologies and whataboutery, nothing can be said that will mask the naked hatred that exists within those individuals for whom their balaclava has slipped,' he said. "Whilst it is natural that we refer to Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, it is important for members of this house to recognise that there are four plaques in this chamber to Ian Gow, Airey Neave, Robert Bradford and Sir Anthony Berry, all of whom were murdered by the Irish Republican antecedence to Kneecap.' Mr Robinson's DUP colleague Sammy Wilson earlier described the band as the 'musical wing of Sinn Féin' and called for police to 'quickly' investigate the comments. On Tuesday, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox rejected the group's apology to her family. Mrs Cox was killed in 2016 after being shot and stabbed in the street on her way to a constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire. Her widower Brendan Cox, who founded the Together Coalition and has worked to support survivors of terror attacks, said it was 'good' the group apologised, but rejected their claim that they have been misinterpreted. Conservative MP Sir David Amess was also murdered in 2021 after he was stabbed at his during a constituency surgery in Essex by Ali Harbi Ali, a British Islamic State sympathiser, who was sentenced to a whole life order. His daughter, Katie Amess, told BBC's Good Morning Ulster on Monday that 'it is just beyond belief that human beings would speak like that in this day and age, and it is extremely dangerous.' Kneecap said the furore over their comments was a 'transparent effort to derail the real conversation' over how Gaza was 'currently being starved to death by Israel'.
Belfast Telegraph
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
‘The balaclava has slipped': DUP leader accuses Kneecap of ‘crocodile tears' over MP comments
The west Belfast rappers have been mired in controversy after footage emerged online appearing to show a band member saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP' at a show in November 2023. Scotland Yard is looking into the incident, along with another concert from November 2024 in which a member of the band appeared to shout 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' — groups which are banned as terrorist organisations in the UK. On Monday night, the band issued an apology for any offence caused to the families of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, both of whom were murdered while serving as MPs. They said their comments had been 'deliberately taken out of all context'. 'The balaclava has slipped'. Gavin Robinson reacts to Kneecap's MP comments However, in the Commons on Tuesday, East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson accused the group of 'crocodile tears' over the apology, telling members the group's 'balaclava has slipped'. "Whilst we have heard over the last 24 hours crocodile tears, confected apologies and whataboutery, nothing can be said that will mask the naked hatred that exists within those individuals for whom their balaclava has slipped,' he said. "Whilst it is natural that we refer to Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, it is important for members of this house to recognise that there are four plaques in this chamber to Ian Gow, Airey Neave, Robert Bradford and Sir Anthony Berry, all of whom were murdered by the Irish Republican antecedence to Kneecap.' Mr Robinson also asked Home Office Minister Dan Jarvis for a meeting to discuss the application of laws governing the glorification of terrorism in NI. "There is a coherency across this United Kingdom on the glorification of terrorism. For far too long an eye has been turned against the glorification of terrorism in Northern Ireland,' said the DUP leader. "Confined to Northern Ireland, apparently it seems to be quite acceptable and yet it keeps the wounds of our past open. It frustrates reconciliation. "To my mind, there is not coherency on the application of laws that should be preventing the glorification of terrorism in Northern Ireland.' Mr Robinson's DUP colleague Sammy Wilson earlier described the band as the 'musical wing of Sinn Féin' and called for police to 'quickly' investigate the comments. It comes after the husband of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox hit out at the Kneecap for supporting violence for 'easy cheers' as Downing Street rejects 'half-hearted' apology. Mrs Cox was killed in 2016 after being shot and stabbed in the street on her way to a constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire. Her widower Brendan Cox, who founded the Together Coalition and has worked to support survivors of terror attacks, said it was 'good' the group apologised, but rejected their claim that they have been misinterpreted. 'I went back to check whether the 'kill your local MP' comment was taken out of context,' Mr Cox posted on X. 'It wasn't. It's good they have apologised- especially to David (Amess) family- but being 'politically radical' doesn't excuse condoning violence or those who perpetuate it. 'They need to realise that their platform and popularity comes with responsibility. I hope their apology is a genuine realisation that supporting anti-democratic violence is fundamentally wrong in all cases.' Thomas Mair, who was found to have far-right views was convicted of Mrs Cox's murder and was sentenced to a whole life order. The incident also led to additional security measures for all members of Parliament. Conservative MP Sir David Amess was also murdered in 2021 after he was stabbed at his during a constituency surgery in Essex by Ali Harbi Ali, a British Islamic State sympathiser, who was sentenced to a whole life order. A further review of safety measures took place after Mr Amess' death. His daughter, Katie Amess, told BBC's Good Morning Ulster on Monday that 'it is just beyond belief that human beings would speak like that in this day and age, and it is extremely dangerous.' TUV leader Jim Allister has also joined calls for Kneecap to be pulled from the Glastonbury Festival line up. He tabled an Early Day Motion in the Commons condemning the band's 'menacing incitement to murder public servants' and calling for the festival to 'rescind their invitation' for the group to perform. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. In a statement, Kneecap said: 'To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt. 'Kneecap's message has always been — and remains — one of love, inclusion, and hope. This is why our music resonates across generations, countries, classes and cultures and has brought hundreds of thousands of people to our gigs. 'No smear campaign will change that.' Minister Caoimhe Archibald: Apology for alleged controversial comments 'a matter for Kneecap' Kneecap's statement insists the band has been taken out of context, claiming that 'establishment figures, desperate to silence us, have combed through hundreds of hours of footage and interviews, extracting a handful of words from months or years ago to manufacture moral hysteria'. 'Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation's history,' it continues. 'We also reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever. An extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, is now being exploited and weaponised, as if it were a call to action. 'This distortion is not only absurd — it is a transparent effort to derail the real conversation.' Kneecap said the Palestinian population of Gaza was 'currently being starved to death by Israel'. 'At least 20,000 children in Gaza have been killed. The British government continues to supply arms to Israel, even after scores of NHS doctors warned Keir Starmer in August that children were being systematically executed with sniper shots to the head,' they continued. 'Instead of defending innocent people or the principles of international law, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine. 'This is where real anger and outrage should be directed towards.' Alliance Party MP Sorcha Eastwood tabled a parliamentary motion condemning Kneecap. In her motion, the Lagan Valley representative said she acknowledged the important role of art in protest, but added that she firmly rejected language that 'incites violence against elected representatives'. Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said the Prime Minister believed the comments were 'completely unacceptable' and 'condemns them in the strongest possible terms'.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Criticism after Kneecap message at independence march
Plaid Cymru has been criticised for attending a Welsh independence rally which included a message of support by a member of Irish Republican rap group Kneecap. The event saw thousands of people march through Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, on Saturday. On Sunday it emerged footage of a Kneecap gig in 2023 allegedly calling for the death of British MPs is currently being assessed by counter-terrorism police. Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said Plaid had stayed "silent" and accused the band, who he referred to as supporters of the party, of spreading "bile". Plaid said it was not one of the organisers of the rally and condemned any comments that may support terrorist groups. Yes Cymru, one of the organisers, said they were unaware of any potential police investigation at the time of the rally. Kneecap 'kill MP' footage being assessed by police Thousands attend Welsh independence march Independence for Wales is viable, says report In a short video played at Saturday's independence rally, DJ Provai from Kneecap said he was sending a message of support for Welsh independence and wished the march well. He finished by saying: "I hope independence comes soon, Cymru Rydd (Free Wales)." After the event, it emerged The Metropolitan police was assessing a video taken at a Kneecap concert in 2024 in which they are accused of expressing support for Hamas and Hezbollah, which is a criminal offence. The Met also said it was aware of another video from an event in November 2023 where a band member is alleged to have said: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." Police said they were made aware of the videos on 22 April. On Sunday, former Welsh Conservative leader Davies criticised Plaid Cymru's attendance at Saturday's rally on X, saying: "Plaid Cymru nationalist politicians are quick to cry 'hate' when it suits them, but stay silent when it's their own supporters spreading bile." Davies said Kneecap were "celebrated" at the Barry march, and described Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and others of "applauding" an event featuring a band accused of calling for MPs to be killed. "This is the real face of Welsh nationalism: poison, division, and an ideology that will tear our nation apart," Davies said. Plaid Cymru economy spokesperson Luke Fletcher attended the rally in Barry on Saturday and said the decision to run the video was a question for the organisers of the march. Asked what it said for Plaid Cymru given that party figures attended, he said the main aim of the march was to push for an independent Wales. Fletcher described the alleged comments by Kneecap as "worrying" and said "on a personal level" they made him "uncomfortable". In a statement, the party said: "Plaid Cymru was not part of the preparations for the march or aware in advance of the content of any video that would appear as part of the event. "It should always be ensured that marches that promote a better future for Wales reflect the movement's peaceful, inclusive and constructive values. "Plaid Cymru completely condemns any comments that may be supportive of terrorist groups or incite violence against elected members, including by Kneecap." YesCymru and All Under One Banner Cymru, who organised the march, said the march was a "joyous, family-friendly occasion, attended by people of all ages from across Wales and beyond". "The atmosphere was positive and celebratory throughout, reflecting the peaceful and inclusive spirit of the campaign for Welsh independence," they said. They added "the BBC first reported on the investigation on Sunday, the day after our event and of course we cannot comment on any police investigation involving the musical group". Last week, Sharon Osbourne called for the west Belfast rap group's US work visas to be revoked after Kneecap performed at Coachella and ended their set with pro-Palestinian messages. Responding to recent criticism of their support for the people of Palestine, Kneecap, made up of Liam Og Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Caireallain and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, said on social media they had "faced a co-ordinated smear campaign". They said they had previously "called out" the conflict in Gaza and also appeared to suggest they would be taking legal action against the "malicious efforts". Kneecap said: "For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments' complicity in war crimes." The trio have been asked to comment on the alleged comments regarding British MPs.
BBC News
28-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Kneecap message at Welsh independence march prompts Plaid criticism
Plaid Cymru has been criticised for attending a Welsh independence rally which included a message of support by a member of Irish Republican rap group event saw thousands of people march through Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, on Sunday it emerged footage of a Kneecap gig in 2023 allegedly calling for the death of British MPs is currently being assessed by counter-terrorism Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said Plaid had stayed "silent" and accused the band, who he referred to as supporters of the party, of spreading "bile".Plaid said the decision to run the video was a question for the organisers of the rally. Yes Cymru, one of the organisers, said they were unaware of any potential police investigation at the time of the rally. In a short video played at Saturday's independence rally, DJ Provai from Kneecap said he was sending a message of support for Welsh independence and wished the march finished by saying: "I hope independence comes soon, Cymru Rydd (Free Wales)."After the event, it emerged The Metropolitan police was assessing a video taken at a Kneecap concert in 2024 in which they are accused of expressing support for Hamas and Hezbollah, which is a criminal Met also said it was aware of another video from an event in November 2023 where a band member is alleged to have said: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP."Police said they were made aware of the videos on 22 Sunday, former Welsh Conservative leader Davies criticised Plaid Cymru's attendance at Saturday's rally on X, saying: "Plaid Cymru nationalist politicians are quick to cry 'hate' when it suits them, but stay silent when it's their own supporters spreading bile."Davies said Kneecap were "celebrated" at the Barry march, and described Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and others of "applauding" an event featuring a band accused of calling for MPs to be killed."This is the real face of Welsh nationalism: poison, division, and an ideology that will tear our nation apart," Davies said. Plaid Cymru economy spokesperson Luke Fletcher attended the rally in Barry on Saturday and said the decision to run the video was a question for the organisers of the what it said for Plaid Cymru given that party figures attended, he said the main aim of the march was to push for an independent described the alleged comments by Kneecap as "worrying" and said "on a personal level" they made him "uncomfortable". YesCymru and All Under One Banner Cymru, who organised the march, said the march was a "joyous, family-friendly occasion, attended by people of all ages from across Wales and beyond"."The atmosphere was positive and celebratory throughout, reflecting the peaceful and inclusive spirit of the campaign for Welsh independence," they added "the BBC first reported on the investigation on Sunday, the day after our event and of course we cannot comment on any police investigation involving the musical group".Last week, Sharon Osbourne called for the west Belfast rap group's US work visas to be revoked after Kneecap performed at Coachella and ended their set with pro-Palestinian to recent criticism of their support for the people of Palestine, Kneecap, made up of Liam Og Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Caireallain and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, said on social media they had "faced a co-ordinated smear campaign".They said they had previously "called out" the conflict in Gaza and also appeared to suggest they would be taking legal action against the "malicious efforts".Kneecap said: "For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments' complicity in war crimes."The trio have been asked to comment on the alleged comments regarding British MPs.
