Political backlash sparks confusion as critics point out the punk duo are British citizens from Ipswich
The far-right political party UKIP has drawn ridicule online after calling for punk duo Bob Vylan to be deported in the wake of their controversial Glastonbury performance — despite the band being British-born citizens.
The group, made up of frontman Bobby Vylan (real name Pascal Robinson-Foster) and drummer Bobbie, sparked intense debate after chants of “death, death to the IDF” were broadcast during their live set at Worthy Farm, as part of the BBC’s Glastonbury coverage.
While the chant was directed at the Israeli Defence Forces amid ongoing violence in Gaza, critics — including Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis — accused the band of promoting antisemitism and inciting hatred. The incident triggered a police investigation and has placed the BBC under increased scrutiny for failing to cut the live feed.
But while most criticism has centred on the language used, UKIP veered sharply into nationalist rhetoric. In a social media post, the party accused the duo of being “anti-white racists” and claimed they should be deported.
The post read: “Bob Vylan are a disgrace. These anti-white racists should be deported immediately. We have no room in this country for hate.”
However, many were quick to point out that both members of the band are British. Bobby Vylan was born in Ipswich and is of mixed heritage — with a white British mother and Jamaican father — making the idea of “deporting” him a legal and logical absurdity.
Social media mocks UKIP’s deportation call
The backlash to UKIP’s post was swift and widespread. X (formerly Twitter) users were quick to point out the flaw in the party’s position.
One user wrote: “Deport him to where, Ipswich to live with his white British mother?”
Another said: “Weird, because he is British. So I really feel you’re on a hiding to nowhere with this one. Or you are just admitting you are a racist.”
Others took a more humorous angle. “He IS home,” wrote one user, while another joked: “Well, I hear Ipswich is quite nice this time of year.”
Comedian Man Behaving Dadly also joined in, posting: “If UKIP do somehow get into power and manage to send them back to their place of origin, the Home Office will arrest them and put them on a plane to … Ipswich.”
Legal and political confusion
The incident has once again highlighted the legal misunderstandings common in anti-immigration rhetoric. Under UK law, deportation is only possible for non-citizens — and often under specific legal conditions, such as serious criminal convictions.
As Bobby Vylan is a British citizen with no indication of dual nationality, the notion of deportation does not apply. Critics argue that UKIP’s statement reveals not only racial bias, but also a fundamental misunderstanding of immigration law.
Political analysts note that UKIP — which has seen dwindling electoral success since the Brexit referendum — has increasingly resorted to controversial cultural flashpoints to gain media attention. This latest outburst appears to follow that trend.
Band defends comments amid fallout
Bob Vylan have defended their remarks, saying the chant was a political expression against military violence, not an attack on Jewish people.
“We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine,” they said in a statement on Instagram.
Despite their clarification, the controversy has continued. Their U.S. visas have reportedly been revoked, casting doubt over their upcoming North American tour.
They are still scheduled to perform at the Radar Festival in Manchester on 5 July. Greater Manchester Police have said they will monitor the performance closely but will only intervene if any laws are broken.
BBC and Glastonbury under pressure
Meanwhile, the BBC is facing multiple inquiries from Ofcom and Parliament over the decision to broadcast the chant. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she had spoken directly to BBC Director General Tim Davie and expects full transparency over the editorial failings.
Ofcom said it is “very concerned” and is gathering information “as a matter of urgency.”
Final thoughts
As the fallout from the performance continues to unfold, UKIP’s call for deportation has been widely dismissed as yet another headline-chasing move by a fringe party. Rather than inspiring meaningful dialogue, the statement has instead become a case study in political theatre — and legal illiteracy.
For now, Bob Vylan remain firmly on British soil — and the spotlight on Glastonbury, the BBC, and broader debates about free speech and incitement remains brighter than ever.
