Should Keir Starmer ban Kanye West from coming to the UK?

Just to say, it does irritate me when people say 'Keir Starmer will do this' or 'Keir Starmer will do that'.

We do not have a president in the UK. We have a government and he does what the government decides.

Galaxy

Well yes if it was followers of Kanye west who were attacking Jewish people that might make sense, but that's not what is happening.

He has proved to be somewhat unpredictable, who knows how he might behave or what 'message' he might adopt. Isn't his very presence which in the eyes of some might equal acceptance a bit of a threat to those who are now rather afraid to be seen as Jewish?
It's not like he's some well-known orator wanting to seriously argue his views on a platform openly in public debate is it, which might put a different perspective on the matter...
Also, the government has to consider whether or not there might be demonstrations against his appearance, as well as support for it, which could lead to clashes and public disturbances or violence.

Yes, absolutely definitely.

Sarnia

He might if he can find where he left his backbone.

Inside his Big Girls Blouse whilst nursing a Wet Lettuce.

Starmer couldn't knock the skin off a Rice Pudding.

I rest my case.

Your case is weak, at best.

Johnson would have done so much better. Not.

Farage, worse still.

Galaxy

No it is a serious question. I have a friend with schizophrenia he talks absolute nonsense when he is ill. Should allowances be made for that, because he wouldn't be able to get through life if we don't.

My (very violent) father was diagnosed with manic depression (as bi-polar was called in the early 1970s) and schizophrenia. The illness made him behave in many erratic ways. What it did not do was make him a racist, when he had not been a racist before .
West’s views were not because of his condition. His condition made him feel comfortable in expressing them.

I don't understand your post, WithNobsOnIt. Mr Starmer has banned this person, so has disproved those who said that he would not, due to his " lack of backbone".

Galaxy

He does travel though, he has some funny stories about airports as you can imagine. I just do think it is interesting the allowances made for some disabilities ( which I think are correct allowances) and then not for others. I think Kanye west is a tosser but I am afraid I also think this is a very easy thing to do, whereas tackling the antisemitism that has been in full view is much trickier.

What 'disability' does Kanye West have Galaxy?

I have discussed that upthread. He claims he was diagnosed bi polar but seems to be saying autism now.
I saw many of the same sentiments expressed about the man with tourettes at the baftas, i.e that he must really be racist. My friend says numerous things when she is ill that she doesn't believe are true when she is well.
I am not a fan of Kanye west but I do think this is a fairly meaningless thing to do, as we all know it is not followers of Kanye west who are targeting Jews in this country.

Allira

Susieq62

Job done!

Nay to Ye.

You said it , Allira.

If he gets wind of that he'll probably stick it in a song.........

Labradora

Allira

Susieq62

Job done!

Nay to Ye.

You said it , Allira.

If he gets wind of that he'll probably stick it in a song.........

Well, I was wondering if I could have a second career as a rapper 😁

Galaxy

Well yes if it was followers of Kanye west who were attacking Jewish people that might make sense, but that's not what is happening.

How do you know Galaxy that his followers are not attacking Jews?

Do you know if those responsible for the arson attack on the Hatzola ambulances are followers?

Do you know if any of those who carried out the attacks on Heaton Park Synagogue are followers?

In fact, do you know for sure that any of those who carried out any of the 3700 reported attacks on Jews in the UK in 2025 are followers?

This should have course have read -

In fact, do you know for sure that any of those who carried out any of the 3700 reported attacks on Jews in the UK in 2025 are NOT followers?

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Yes ferry, I can pretend I don't know if that is what you want. People know fine well what is influencing the rise in antisemitism in this country. It is not
Kanye west.
It is a mixture of Islamic extremism and the 'progressives' excusing/ tolerating that.

Smileless2012

I'm on the fence TBH having heard Kayne West's apology and willingness to make amends.

Apologies just so he could continue his career

To say refusing him entry is meaningless Galaxy , you think meaningless to Jews ?

I think it is performative. Do I think it will decrease the risk against Jews, no. A risk which I think has been allowed to grow unchecked with very little resistance from politicians.

I don’t think it will decrease risks against Jews, doubt anything can, it has always been allowed regardless of “Never Again” ,

Anniebach

I don’t think it will decrease risks against Jews, doubt anything can, it has always been allowed regardless of “Never Again” ,

I agree. Risks to Jews have increased and more since the war with Iran started.

Anniebach

I don’t think it will decrease risks against Jews, doubt anything can, it has always been allowed regardless of “Never Again” ,

But his entry here, especially if he spreads propaganda, however subtly, might make matters worse.
He has millions of followers, apparently.
Goodness knows why.

I think the same Allira , antisemitism is hatred of Jews, hatred is hatred

“Performative”?

So, some posters effectively saying PM hadn’t the balls to ban him. He does and it’s “performative”.

Can’t win, can he?

I am not those posters though, so I am expressing a different opinion.

Basgetti

“Performative”?

So, some posters effectively saying PM hadn’t the balls to ban him. He does and it’s “performative”.

Can’t win, can he?

Brilliant! I'm in good company then with KS, because two weeks ago my posts, on fashion of all things, were seen as performative and staged by one poster!! 😆 Performative must be the in word.

I see the KW ban as a sensible case of damage limitation. But that's not enough because it doesn't address the root cause. It's not enough in the bigger picture, but I'm not sure what can be done.