Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSam HallTuesday 07 April 2026 02:54 BSTEd Davey calls for Kanye West to be banned from UK ahead of festivalKanye West is scheduled to headline all three nights of Wireless Festival in London's Finsbury Park this July, prompting widespread calls for him to be barred from the UK due to past antisemitic comments.Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, defended West's 'legal right to perform' in the UK, condemning his previous remarks but arguing that his music is widely available and he is not being given a platform for his opinions.Sir Keir Starmer and other politicians have expressed deep concern, with the Home Secretary facing pressure to deny West entry, and ministers are reviewing his permission to enter the UK.Major sponsors such as Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their support from the festival, and PayPal will not appear in future promotional materials.West has a history of making antisemitic comments and expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler, though he issued an apology in January, attributing his past behaviour to a manic episode.In fullWireless Festival boss defends booking Kanye West and calls for ‘forgiveness’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in