'Kneecap win is a victory for freedom of expression'
Belfast rap group Kneecap has won its discrimination case against the UK government over a decision by then minister Kemi Badenoch to withdraw an arts grant.
The decision, taken when the now Conservative leader was business and trade minister, was described in court by Kneecap's barrister as "unlawful and procedurally unfair".
The group was awarded £14,250 - the same amount they were initially granted. The group said its motivation for taking the case was "equality". "
This was an attack on artistic culture, an attack on the Good Friday Agreement itself and an attack on Kneecap and our way of expressing ourselves," band member DJ Próvaí said.
A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said the decision was made not to continue contesting the band's challenge as "we do not believe it is in the public interest".
They added: “This government’s priority is to try to reduce costs and help protect the taxpayer from further expense."
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