Ed Davey calls for Kanye West to be banned from UK

WorldPolitics
3 Apr 2026 • 5:14 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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Sir Ed Davey has said Kanye West should be banned from the UK following the announcement that he is to headline London's Wireless Festival 2026.

The controversial rapper, 48, has a history of antisemitism, includes describing himself as a Nazi, releasing a song called “Heil Hitler”, selling T-shirts with swastikas on, spending time with white supremacist Nick Fuentes and repeatedly making antisemitic statements.

Wireless will be his first performance in the UK in more than a decade.

"The Home Secretary should ban him from coming to this country. We've got to take antisemitism more seriously," Sir Ed said at a press conference.

The announcement has also been met with backlash from Jewish leaders, as well as Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan.

West bought out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal where he issued an apology for his behaviour, attributing it to his bipolar-1 disorder in January.

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