A KNEECAP Law is urgently needed to stop groups who pose a threat to British values from receiving public funding, according to Lord Walney, a senior peer and former adviser on political violence. The call for such legislation arises as he prepares to introduce measures aimed at preventing financial support for organizations associated with extremism this month, reports BritPanorama.
Lord Walney’s assertion follows a controversial court decision that allowed the Belfast rap trio Kneecap, known for their inflammatory views, to retain a £14,250 grant. The funding had previously been blocked by the government, which maintained that taxpayer money should not support those who oppose the United Kingdom.
“Extremism will continue to infect our communities unless tougher action is taken,” Lord Walney stated. His comments reflect increasing concern over financial grants awarded to groups deemed divisive. The Tory government initially sought to inhibit such funding through the Music Export Growth Scheme, designed to promote British artists internationally.
The peer emphasized the need for an urgent response, saying, “If we are going to defeat the extremism infecting our communities, we must stop dishing out grants to people who hate our country.” His proposed amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill aim to curb public funding for organizations that promote extremism or undermine the UK’s territorial integrity and democratic values.
These proposals will require the backing of both peers and MPs to be enacted into law. Following recent incidents, including this week’s synagogue terror attack in Manchester, the push for a stricter approach to tackling extremism has gained momentum within political circles.
