BBC premieres Kneecap song branding Starmer ‘Netanyahu’s b**** in genocide armour’
The tune was played for the first time on Jack Saunders’ BBC Radio 1 show before it launched on YouTube
BBC Radio 1 has become the first radio station to broadcast controversial Irish rap group Kneecap’s new song, featuring the lyrics: “F*** Keir Starmer, Netanyahu’s b**** in genocide armour”.
Titled Liars Tale, the song focuses on Sir Keir’s stance in relation to Israel’s military offensive against Hamas in Gaza.
Announcing their new album on Wednesday, the Irish rap trio said that criticism from Sir Keir was “all the motivation we needed” and said the album was dedicated to “everyone speaking truth to power”.
The song was played for the first time on Jack Saunders’ BBC Radio 1 show moments before the music video premiered on YouTube.
The video features the three musicians in guillotines and a zombie that looks like Margaret Thatcher, after a voiceover says that the Prime Minister had contacted previous leaders “for foreign policy advice”.
The group, made up of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, will release their second studio album, titled Fenian, on April 24.
They hit the headlines in 2025 when O hAnnaidh was charged with a terror offence.
The charge, which was eventually dropped in September last year, alleged that O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, had displayed a flag in support of Hezbollah, which is proscribed as a terror organisation by the British Government, at a gig at the O2 Forum in London in 2024.
The Crown Prosecution Service is currently appealing against the decision to drop O hAnnaidh’s case, which also saw prosecutors allege that the rapper could be heard saying “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” in video footage of the concert.
The group, who have also been criticised for allegedly saying “kill your local MP” during a concert, are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language and pro-Palestine stance.
They have since apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah.
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