Keir Starmer ignores over 3,800 letters over Bob Vylan’s gig in his London constituency

"Since the Heaton Park incident, Keir Starmer has said the right things, but there has been no meaningful follow-through,” a spokesman for Stop the Hate said.

"Whether due to a lack of will or an inability to act, he appears either unwilling or unable to seriously confront anti-Jewish racism, even when concerns are raised about an event taking place in his own constituency, close to his home.

"This is a moment that demands action, not more statements."

He continued: "After Glastonbury, Starmer said, 'There is no excuse for this kind of appalling hate speech', yet now, with Bob Vylan scheduled to perform in north-west London, he has not even responded to the serious concerns raised by the Jewish community, including many of his own constituents.

“We call on the prime minister to publicly denounce this performance and to urge [the venue] to act responsibly by cancelling the show.”

Citing previous postponements of Bob Vylan performances in Leeds and Manchester, Stop the Hate has demanded to know "why the same precaution has not been taken [in London]".

Last week, Camden Council leader Richard Olszewski wrote to residents expressing his concerns about the gig, and claimed he was unable to prevent it from taking place.

"The chants made by this performer at recent events were completely unacceptable and they have cast a long shadow," Olszewski said.

"Whilst I cannot prevent an artist from performing at a privately owned venue, I have raised our shared concerns with the police and the venue.

"Antisemitism has no place in our society and I have written to Camden's Police Borough Commander to seek assurances about what steps are being taken to ensure the safety and security of our residents. I want to know what risks they have identified and how they plan to mitigate those risks.

“I have also contacted Academy Music Group, which operate 02 Forum Kentish Town, to ask them what measures it has in place to keep our residents safe."

Robinson-Foster, who uses the stage name Bobby Vylan, attracted widespread accusations of antisemitism in June – an allegation he has repeatedly denied. In September, two months after the provocative performance, the BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) announced that the set breached the corporation’s editorial standards when it was livestreamed.

“The content of this act, taken in the round, can fairly be characterised as antisemitic," according to the ECU ruling.
BBC director general Tim Davie, who yesterday announced he was stepping down from his role following accusations of bias at the corporation, including around its reporting on Israel, told MPs last month the set was “antisemitic” and “deeply disturbing”.

Representatives for the Prime Minister and Academy Music Group have been approached for comment.