Criticism after Kneecap message at independence march

Plaid Cymru has been criticised for attending a Welsh independence rally which included a message of support by a member of Irish Republican rap group Kneecap.

The event saw thousands of people march through Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, on Saturday.

On Sunday it emerged footage of a Kneecap gig in 2023 allegedly calling for the death of British MPs is currently being assessed by counter-terrorism police.

Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said Plaid had stayed "silent" and accused the band, who he referred to as supporters of the party, of spreading "bile".

Plaid said it was not one of the organisers of the rally and condemned any comments that may support terrorist groups.

Yes Cymru, one of the organisers, said they were unaware of any potential police investigation at the time of the rally.

In a short video played at Saturday's independence rally, DJ Provai from Kneecap said he was sending a message of support for Welsh independence and wished the march well.

He finished by saying: "I hope independence comes soon, Cymru Rydd (Free Wales)."

After the event, it emerged The Metropolitan police was assessing a video taken at a Kneecap concert in 2024 in which they are accused of expressing support for Hamas and Hezbollah, which is a criminal offence.

The Met also said it was aware of another video from an event in November 2023 where a band member is alleged to have said: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP."

Police said they were made aware of the videos on 22 April.

On Sunday, former Welsh Conservative leader Davies criticised Plaid Cymru's attendance at Saturday's rally on X, saying: "Plaid Cymru nationalist politicians are quick to cry 'hate' when it suits them, but stay silent when it's their own supporters spreading bile."

Davies said Kneecap were "celebrated" at the Barry march, and described Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and others of "applauding" an event featuring a band accused of calling for MPs to be killed.

"This is the real face of Welsh nationalism: poison, division, and an ideology that will tear our nation apart," Davies said.

Plaid Cymru economy spokesperson Luke Fletcher attended the rally in Barry on Saturday and said the decision to run the video was a question for the organisers of the march.

Asked what it said for Plaid Cymru given that party figures attended, he said the main aim of the march was to push for an independent Wales.

Fletcher described the alleged comments by Kneecap as "worrying" and said "on a personal level" they made him "uncomfortable".

In a statement, the party said: "Plaid Cymru was not part of the preparations for the march or aware in advance of the content of any video that would appear as part of the event.

"It should always be ensured that marches that promote a better future for Wales reflect the movement's peaceful, inclusive and constructive values.

"Plaid Cymru completely condemns any comments that may be supportive of terrorist groups or incite violence against elected members, including by Kneecap."

YesCymru and All Under One Banner Cymru, who organised the march, said the march was a "joyous, family-friendly occasion, attended by people of all ages from across Wales and beyond".

"The atmosphere was positive and celebratory throughout, reflecting the peaceful and inclusive spirit of the campaign for Welsh independence," they said.

They added "the BBC first reported on the investigation on Sunday, the day after our event and of course we cannot comment on any police investigation involving the musical group".

Last week, Sharon Osbourne called for the west Belfast rap group's US work visas to be revoked after Kneecap performed at Coachella and ended their set with pro-Palestinian messages.

Responding to recent criticism of their support for the people of Palestine, Kneecap, made up of Liam Og Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Caireallain and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, said on social media they had "faced a co-ordinated smear campaign".

They said they had previously "called out" the conflict in Gaza and also appeared to suggest they would be taking legal action against the "malicious efforts".

Kneecap said: "For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments' complicity in war crimes."

The trio have been asked to comment on the alleged comments regarding British MPs.