Police have confirmed they will take no further action over controversial on-stage remarks made by a member of Northern Irish rap group Kneecap, following a year-long investigation into alleged incitement to violence.
The probe was launched after footage circulated online in 2023 appearing to show a band member telling a crowd: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory,” and allegedly urging them to “kill your MP”.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Metropolitan Police said its Counter Terrorism Command had completed a “thorough investigation”, which included interviewing one individual under caution and seeking advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.
“A range of offences were considered,” the statement read. “However, given the time elapsed between the events in the video and it being brought to police attention, any potential summary-only offences were beyond the statutory time limit for prosecution.”
The force said it had also assessed indictable offences but concluded that “based on all of the current evidence available, a decision has been made that no further action will be taken at this time”.
“We understand the impact this decision may have on MPs and their staff,” the statement continued, adding that police “take the safety and security of MPs extremely seriously” and advising concerned parliamentarians to contact their local liaison from Operation Bridger – the nationwide police security program for MPs.
The case is separate from a high-profile investigation into band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh – known by his stage name Mo Chara – who was charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 for allegedly displaying support for a proscribed organisation.
That charge relates to footage from a 2023 performance in London, where he was seen draped in a Hezbollah flag and shouting “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 June and was granted unconditional bail. A hearing has been set for 20 August, where legal arguments are expected over jurisdiction and time limits – though the court is not yet due to assess the substance of the prosecution’s case.
Chara and his bandmates have claimed the charges are part of a politically motivated attempt to silence their pro-Palestinian activism.
Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are reviewing footage from the group’s recent Glastonbury set. The force is understood to be examining a comment by a band member encouraging fans to “riot” outside court in August – a statement later walked back – as well as separate footage from another act on the same stage involving chants of “death to the IDF”.
Kneecap, whose lyrics regularly feature anti-establishment and nationalist themes, have previously defended their performances as political satire. They are currently preparing for an international tour and a forthcoming feature film.