Counter-terror police have confirmed they will not be charging Irish rap group Kneecap after videos emerged of them calling for the death of British MPs and shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.
This comes after a video surfaced showing a member of the group saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
Additional footage from another concert, believed to be from November 2024 at the Kentish Town Forum in London, appears to show a band member shouting: “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.”
In May, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they had launched an investigation into the material.
A spokesperson said: “On April 22, we were made aware of an online video believed to be from a music event in London in November 2024.
“Following this, we were made aware of a further video, believed to be from another music event in London in November 2023.
“Both videos were referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers, who have determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences linked to both videos.
“The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and inquiries remain ongoing at this time.”
Now, a Met Police spokesman has confirmed to The Spectator: “A thorough investigation has now been completed by detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command, which included interviewing an individual under caution and seeking early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.
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“A range of offences were considered as part of the investigation. However, given the time elapsed between the events in the video and the video being brought to police attention, any potential summary only offences were beyond the statutory time limit for prosecution.
“Relevant indictable offences were considered by the investigation team and, based on all of the current evidence available, a decision has been made that no further action will be taken at this time.”
The spokesman added that “the safety and security of MPs is something that is taken extremely seriously across the whole of policing”.
This investigation is separate from a different charge brought against Kneecap member Liam O’Hanna in connection with the same November 2024 Kentish Town performance.
He was charged by postal requisition with displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation.
The offence falls under section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on June 18 where he was granted unconditional bail and will appear again in person at the court in August.