Terrorism charges to be dropped for Kneecap’s ‘Kill Your MP’ comments

Charges made against Belfast rap group Kneecap for their alleged “kill your MP" comments have been dropped, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.

The terrorism charges related to a clip of a November 2023 concert, which was posted on social media and showed an unidentified member of the group saying: “Kill your local MP. The only good Tory is a dead Tory.”

The Met Police got a hold of the smartphone footage in April following Kneecap’s appearance at the Coachella festival in the US, where the group criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Police have now said the offences were beyond the statutory time limit for prosecution.

This will however not impact the separate terror charge against member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, aka Mo Chara, concerning accusations of displaying a Hezbollah flag.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “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.

“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

“We understand the impact this decision may have on MPs and their staff," the statement concluded. “The safety and security of MPs is something that is taken extremely seriously across the whole of policing. MPs who may be concerned about their safety can contact their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer, who can provide further advice and support.”

Originally set for June 18, and now moved to August 20, the court hearing is set to charge Ó hAnnaidh with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London show in November 2024.

Kneecap say the flag was thrown on stage and deny supporting Hezbollah or Hamas. They claim the prosecution is politically motivated and aimed at silencing their criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.