Punk duo Bob Vylan have declared they hope a police decision to take no further action over chants made during their Glastonbury Festival set will "inspire others in the UK and around the world to speak up" in support of Palestine.
Police Investigation Concludes with No Action
Avon and Somerset Police announced on Tuesday 23 December 2025 that "no further action" would be taken following a criminal investigation into the performance. The force stated the decision was made on the basis that there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.
The probe was launched after the duo's performance on the West Holts Stage in late June, which was live-streamed on BBC iPlayer. During the set, rapper Bobby Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, led the crowd in chants of "death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)".
Band's Reaction and Criticism of the Probe
In a statement posted to social media platform X on Christmas Eve, Bob Vylan responded to the police decision. While acknowledging the news, the band argued that the criminal investigation was "never warranted in the first place."
"Over the past 6 months, the media and politicians have consistently attacked us for using our art and platform to take a stand against the actions of Israel and its illegal occupying military force," the statement read.
The duo, completed by drummer Wade Laurence George, detailed the personal and professional consequences they faced, including cancelled shows, revoked visas, and a tarnished reputation. They expressed gratitude for the support they received and framed their experience as a gain in "spirit and camaraderie."
Mixed Reactions from Community Groups
The decision has drawn criticism from some quarters. The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity protecting Jewish communities in the UK, told the Press Association it was "incredibly disappointing." They argued it sent the wrong message, especially when other police forces were taking a stronger stance on hateful rhetoric.
The Israeli embassy in London also condemned the outcome in a post on X, calling the chants "vile calls for violence" and questioning why such language was not recognised as a dangerous instigator of bloodshed.
In its own statement, Avon and Somerset Police defended the investigation, stating the comments had "drawn widespread anger, proving that words have real-world consequences." They asserted it was right to comprehensively investigate the matter.
A Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) spokesperson clarified that while they provided early investigative advice, they were not asked to make a final charging decision. The police concluded the evidence was insufficient for any potential conviction.
