"They broke their own laws"— Irish band Kneecap slams the UK government in a statement after winning discrimination case

Irish-language rap group Kneecap has won a legal battle against the UK government after it rescinded its arts funding, with the court ruling the decision was "unlawful and procedurally unfair." The dispute arose when then-business secretary, Kemi Badenoch, withdrew a £14,250 grant, citing the band’s anti-British sentiments, as reported by Reuters on November 29, 2024.

The band accused the government of infringing on artistic freedom and equality under the Good Friday Agreement.

Following the ruling, Kneecap issued a scathing statement on November 29 via Instagram. They accused the UK government of trying to suppress dissenting voices, stating, "They don’t like that we oppose British rule… The working classes on both sides of the community deserve better." They criticized the Conservative government’s decision as an act of censorship, calling it a "f*scist type action."

"They broke their own laws in trying to silence Kneecap. The reason for this was they didn’t like our art, in particular our beautiful 2019 tour poster of Boris Johnson on a rocket."

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Kneecap's statement: Criticism of the UK government

In a Belfast High Court hearing, the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, now under a Labour minister, conceded that rescinding the grant was unjustified. The department agreed to release the original amount and cover Kneecap’s legal costs.

Lead member DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh) emphasized that the case transcended financial concerns, focusing instead on the principle of free expression. "This was never about money," he said, reiterating the importance of equal artistic representation in Northern Ireland.

Justice Scoffield’s light-hearted closing remarks, delivered in Irish, were met with applause. The judge expressed satisfaction with the settlement, wishing both parties well.

The band highlighted what they viewed as broader issues, including insufficient mental health services and a lack of support for cultural expression in Northern Ireland. They also accused the UK of complicity in global conflicts, mentioning their opposition to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

"They didn’t like the fact that we are totally opposed to all they represent," the band asserted.

The dispute began in 2023 when Kneecap applied for a grant through the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS), a government-backed initiative to support UK artists internationally. Although the British Phonographic Industry initially approved the grant, Badenoch overturned the decision, arguing that taxpayer money should not fund groups opposing the UK.

The band, known for politically charged lyrics and provocative imagery, often criticizes British rule in Northern Ireland. Their name refers to punishment shootings during the Troubles, reflecting their confrontational style. Notable tracks include "Get Your Brits Out" and artwork depicting former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Darragh Mackin, Kneecap’s solicitor, framed the victory as a defense of fundamental rights. "Kneecap continues to lead by example in practicing what they preach," he said. He emphasized that the case upheld the principles enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement, particularly around cultural identity and expression.

The band announced plans to donate their awarded funds to two Belfast organizations: Glór na Móna, promoting Irish language and culture, and R-City Belfast, which supports youth development. The band sees this move as a way to invest in Northern Ireland’s future, fostering cross-community engagement.

Kneecap's debut album, Fine Art, reached number two on the Irish charts. Their semi-fictionalized biopic, featuring Michael Fassbender, won an audience award at Sundance and is Ireland’s submission for Best International Feature at the Oscars.

Additionally, the group will perform at the "Gig for Gaza" benefit concert in London’s O2 Academy on December 13, alongside artists like Paul Weller and Paloma Faithory. This marks a significant moment for artistic freedom and cultural representation in Northern Ireland, setting a precedence for future cases involving political expression and public funding.