Punk band Bob Vylan has US visas revoked after Glastonbury

The news comes as the BBC expressed regret at not pulling the live stream of Bob Vylan’s performance during Glastonbury on Saturday, saying the “antisemitic sentiments” expressed by the group were “utterly unacceptable”.

The corporation has come under fire after rapper Bobby Vylan – of the rap punk duo – led crowds at the festival’s West Holts Stage in chants of “free, free Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)”.

Downing Street has said it is “right” that the BBC has expressed regret over its live streaming of Bob Vylan at Glastonbury.

A Number 10 spokesman said on Monday: “We strongly condemn the threatening comments made by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury. The Prime Minister has been clear that any performers making threats or inciting violence should not be given a platform.”

He later added: “The BBC needs to explain how these scenes came to be broadcast.

“It’s right that they have now acknowledged the live stream should have been pulled and that they will look at guidance around live events going forward.”

Raising the issue at Westminster, Lord Wolfson said: “Does the minister agree with me that the scenes we saw from Glastonbury this weekend were absolutely disgraceful, and does she further agree with me that the BBC must explain its decision to broadcast live and uninterrupted an antisemitic diatribe, a decision for which there must not only be an explanation, but personal and not just institutional responsibility?”

Responding, culture minister Baroness Twycross said: “The BBC has issued a statement acknowledging that they should have pulled the stream during performance, and regret this did not happen.

“I share his sentiments. I found the whole thing, appalling and terrifying, to be honest, that this could happen in our country.

“Avon and Somerset Police are have already confirmed they’re looking into what happened.”