Irish language rap group Kneecap has won a court battle against the UK government after it admitted that denying them £14,250 in funding was “unlawful”. The decision was made by former business secretary Kemi Badenoch.
The band claimed the refusal of the grant was discriminatory based on nationality and political opinion. They had initiated legal proceedings after the grant programme’s management team, including Ms Badenoch, decided to withhold the funding due to their pro-Irish unity stance.
Kneecap stated that their motivation was not about the amount of money but about equality and freedom of expression. The band expressed concerns that the UK government’s actions were an attack on artistic culture, the Good Friday Agreement, and their right to express themselves.
The court has now ruled in Kneecap’s favour, stating that the decision was unlawful due to procedural unfairness and failure to consider relevant factors. As a result, the UK government will pay back the £14,250 grant to the band.
Kneecap has stated they will distribute the funding to two youth groups in Belfast, one nationalist and one unionist, as part of their efforts to promote unity and equality. The music industry is seen as crucial to Ireland’s economy, with programmes like the Music Export Growth Scheme aiming to support local artists.
Source: https://www.irishstar.com/culture/entertainment/kneecap-uk-government-legal-case-34214925