Investigation into Kneecap must be allowed to happen 'free from political interference' The government has said a police investigation looking into comments made by Northern Irish hip-hop trio must be allowed to happen "free from political interference". Dan Jarvis, a Home Office minister, called the words members of Kneecap are alleged to have said "dangerous" and "irresponsible". Responding to an urqent question on the comments made by the group, Jarvis told the Commons that "political intimidation and abuse have no place in our society". He added that "the desire for immediate answers" is constrained by it being a live investigation. He went on to tell the House that elected politicians of all parties and at all levels "must be able to perform their duties safely and without fear". Jarvis said: "Those of us who attend this place are all too aware of the devastating consequences of violence against our colleagues and friends. "Our politics is better when it is conducted respectfully and safely, and I hope and trust that that will have the support of members right across this House." Francois' four questions on Kneecap: Mark Francois, who requested the urgent question, responded to the ministerial statement with a series of questions for the home secretary. The MP for Rayleigh and Wickford asked her how long the inquiry will last and said the video "plainly speaks for itself". Francois also questioned which government minister approved the "absurd" decision to "surrender" to Kneecap, and not fight a legal challenge for more than £14,000 of public money. The band originally had a request for money turned down by the then-business secretary Kemi Badenoch under the Conservative government. This went to a legal challenge on the basis of discrimination, which the subsequent Labour government conceded, handing over the money to the group. Third, Francois called for Kneecap to be barred from appearing at Glastonbury Festival "today", pointing out that the event received taxpayer money during the pandemic. Francois concluded by calling for the home secretary to permit the request of Sir David Amess' family to look at "potential failings" by the counter-terrorism Prevent programme, which may have contributed to his murder. Dan Jarvis said the scheme which saw the band receive money was inherited from the Conservative administration and that it is now being reviewed. He reiterated the government's position that it is not for ministers to say who should or shouldn't perform at Glastonbury Festival.