Arabic version: تزايد الدعوات لحظر كاني ويست من مهرجان المملكة المتحدة

The Campaign Against Antisemitism has urged for Kanye West to be banned from entering the UK to perform at the Wireless festival. This request follows West’s history of making antisemitic remarks, including expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler. The festival is scheduled to take place in London’s Finsbury Park in July.

According to The Guardian, Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has also voiced concern over West’s performance, labeling it “deeply concerning” given the rapper’s previous statements. Starmer emphasized that the prime minister should take action against West’s planned appearance.

In response to the backlash, Tory MP Chris Philp has written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, requesting that West be prevented from traveling to the UK. Sponsorship pullbacks have already begun, as brands like Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their support for the festival after West was announced as the headliner.

The controversy surrounding West’s appearance has drawn attention from multiple political figures, including Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, who has called for tougher measures against antisemitism. Rachael Maskell, a Labour MP, echoed these sentiments, stating that West should not be given a platform in the UK.

Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, criticized the decision to allow West to perform, urging the government to consider barring him from entering the country. The festival’s decision to book West has also been condemned by various Jewish organizations, including a recent attack on a synagogue in Manchester.