Forum Topic

Kneecap

I am sure we can all rejoice today that Kneecap rapper Mo Chara will not face a new terror trial after judges at the High Court in London rejected a Crown Prosecution Service appeal against the decision to throw out the case.“Finally we can maybe move on, start to apply for visas again now that this is over and continue to use whatever platform we have to continue to talk about Gaza, Iran, Cuba or whatever it is that is the topic of the day because as lads from West Belfast we're not going to shy away from this stuff".When asked if they would pursue costs for lack of income Kneecap's solicitor said: "To be fair I think the judgment is embarrassing enough for them"."This entire process was never about me, never about any threat to the public and never about 'terrorism', a word used by the British government to discredit people you oppress both in Ireland and across the world. It was always about Palestine and about what happens if you dare to speak up. About what happens if you can reach large groups of people and expose their hypocrisy.”"I will not be silent. Kneecap will not be silent."Amen to that!By the way, the band are performing in Cuba next week.! 👊😎

Gerry Boyce ● 20d31 Comments

Mr Brigo'oh dear, posting about your pants again!?'Would you be kind enough to explain what you mean by this post ?For someone who runs a business aiming to improve the physical and mental well being of women you seem to have plenty of time to obsess over men's underwear.Is this a fetishism of yours ?

John Hawkes ● 16d

Boycie''St Patrick's Day celebrations are returning to central London on Sunday, with more than 50,000 people expected to attend.The annual parade featuring Irish marching bands, dancers and pageantry will weave through the streets of the capital from Hyde Park at midday and finish in Trafalgar Square.'Won't this unreasonably impact the thousands of demonstrators who gathered for an Al-Quds pro-Iran rally in London, with 1,000 riot police being placed on alert ?Apparently demonstrators gathered on the South Bank of the Thames for prayers and brandished a placard declaring 'US Israel hands off Iran'.Pictures from the protest showed people holding pictures of the assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his successor, Mojtada Khamenei'. Which anti-British demonstration did you join in ?Hopefully the one where the Jameson flowed and not one offering the seeming hundreds of herbal teas the Iranian Muslims imbibe !😁 'By the way, well done on getting your degree!'Which one ?😉

John Hawkes ● 16d

Agreed, Mr Hawkes, the UK's maternity service does seem to be experiencing problems. Not something I can speak of with any knowledge so I've no idea why.

Michael Ixer ● 18d

oh dear, posting about your pants again!?

Michael Brigo ● 18d

'An evening in Camden amongst a mob of drunken Paddy antisemites is not my idea of a good night out.'I hear you, John. Put like that, it wouldn't be my idea of an enjoyable night out either.Anyway, put away your 'No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish' sign, it's not the 1950's, and enjoy Paddy's weekend:'St Patrick's Day celebrations are returning to central London on Sunday, with more than 50,000 people expected to attend.The annual parade featuring Irish marching bands, dancers and pageantry will weave through the streets of the capital from Hyde Park at midday and finish in Trafalgar Square.There will also be a free festival in Trafalgar Square from 12:00 to 18:00 GMT showcasing Irish music, arts and food.'The craic will be mighty!By the way, well done on getting your degree!

Gerry Boyce ● 18d

Mr Ixer'I think if one looks at maternity care, the US is fairly low but, sorry, I don't have the stats to hand'.But then again our own NHS has many problems as well in this area.https://www.thelawyer.com/briefing/uk-maternity-care-inquiry-reveals-systemic-failures-across-nhs-trusts/"UK maternity care inquiry reveals systemic failures across NHS trusts"March 10 2026'More than 8,000 families have contributed evidence to a major national inquiry into maternity services in England. Their experiences reveal a deeply concerning picture: while some families receive excellent care, others are exposed to serious and avoidable risks.The interim findings from the independent investigation led by Baroness Valerie Amos identify widespread systemic failings across 14 NHS trusts. These failures have placed patient safety at risk, disproportionately affected women from ethnic minority backgrounds, and undermined confidence in maternity services'.What I find strange is that in my very positive experience of the NHS many of the staff are what is politely called 'people of colour'.So why is it claimed if not to keep the old 'anti-racist' pot boiling, 'These failures have placed patient safety at risk, disproportionately affected women from ethnic minority backgrounds'.Why would they discriminate against their own ?Unless of course such women have yet to gain a good grasp of English with which to complain or describe their symptoms, or their concerns are disregarded by their male family members because of ethnic misogyny.

John Hawkes ● 18d

I don’t think anyone thinks the US lacks the ability, equipment of competence to provide first rate healthcare; the issue is affordability and how it abandons those in need because they can’t pay.

Gerry Boyce ● 18d

"the US probably has the best health care in the world if one has the money. I think if one looks at maternity care, the US is fairly low but, sorry, I don't have the stats to hand.""The U.S. maternal mortality rate continues to far exceed those of other high-income nations, despite a decline since the end of the COVID-19 pandemicPersistent inequities in health care are a big reason why Black women in the U.S. are by far the most likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth" (2024)From:-Insights into the U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis: An International Comparisonhttps://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2024/jun/insights-us-maternal-mortality-crisis-international-comparison#:~:text=Highlights,deaths%20per%20100%2C000%20live%20births."Interestingly, in parts of Florida Spanish seems to be the first language, but I guess that's my perception from several visits."Wikipedia says 20% are first language Spanish speakers in Florida.Also "In 2024, the state's non-Hispanic white population fell to 49.1%, making Florida the 9th state to reach majority-minority status."

David Ainsworth ● 18d

Mr Hawkes, as I"ve explained before and given examples of why I'm not anti American, and that my views are based on comments from various US citizens. It's obvious the qualiof care in the US depends on how wealthy one is or how good your health insurance is ... the US probably has the best health care in the world if one has the money. I think if one looks at maternity care, the US is fairly low but, sorry, I don't have the stats to hand.But I'd agree many Cubans have entered to US illegally because of their dislike of te Cuban regime, and prospered. Interestingly, in parts of Florida Spanish seems to be the first language, but I guess that's my perception from several visits.

Michael Ixer ● 18d

Mr AinsworthWho would want to ghost you ?Your posts are so informative and amusing.So sad as could not have happened to a nicer bloke.Still were you not the person or was it Carter, Brigo or Boycie who posted on the Forum in my name ?So much so the Moderator had to intervene and withdraw them.Boycie still makes oblique reference to them.Now you know how it feels. .

John Hawkes ● 18d

Thanks for the confirmation. The big older boys would have poked fun at me otherwise, and it hurts so much.

David Ainsworth ● 18d

Boycie'Oh! Your grasp of communicating in your mother tongue seems to be somewhat shaky, John. Similarly, punctuation, sentence structure and coherent thought are noticeably diminished'.You think so ?Diminished from what in particular ?I wonder how I managed to achieve a degree in English Language and Literature 😉'Nonetheless, I think I can get a rough sense of what you are attempting to say.'Which for someone communicating in what is not his mother tongue is really quite commendable.'I’m guessing you are not too keen on attending the Kneecap gig?'Very perceptive.An evening in Camden amongst a mob of drunken Paddy antisemites is not my idea of a good night out.But I hope you enjoy it.

John Hawkes ● 18d

Mr Ixer'So, Mr Hawkes, you're now in favour of illegal immigrants arriving in small boats from authoritarian regimes! Id imagine Afghanistan, Sudan, Iran, etc regimes are a lot worse than Cuba which, as our Irish contributions tor says, does have a good hospital service and is, to my knowledge, free to all Cubans, unlike the US health disfunctional health system.  Perhaps that's what US governments dislike about Cuba?'Your totally missing the point of my post is both typical and predictable.No I am not as you well know in favour of our acceptance of illegal 'boat people' immigrants.Read what I posted and don't just jump onto your anti-American high horse as usual. If life is so wonderful in Cuba why have so many left to go to the US ?Staying at home and getting free health care for malnutrition seems to lose out on balance.Though I do concede that Cuba has a very good cancer survival record.UK = 20.7France = 26.7USA = 33.1Cuba = 35.7https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/cancer-survival-rates-by-countryPerhaps the US system not so dysfunctional after all !

John Hawkes ● 18d

Yes, David, I saw the ghost post as well. Maybe the elusive hacker has returned? Might be time to call in the mysterious moderator to investigate. There’s a whiff of something foul in the air!

Gerry Boyce ● 18d

And now, of course, mine being the latest means that it is no longer "ghosting" there.

David Ainsworth ● 18d

There is posting showing:-13/03/26 06:42:00I cannot see it though.

David Ainsworth ● 18d

Oh! Your grasp of communicating in your mother tongue seems to be somewhat shaky, John. Similarly, punctuation, sentence structure and coherent thought are noticeably diminished. Nonetheless, I think I can get a rough sense of what you are attempting to say. I’m guessing you are not too keen on attending the Kneecap gig?

Gerry Boyce ● 19d

Exactly!! 66 years and counting and they're still at it. Doesn't say much for Team USA!

Gerry Boyce ● 19d

The memorandum:-"499. Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Mallory) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rubottom)Washington, April 6, 1960.SUBJECTThe Decline and Fall of CastroSalient considerations respecting the life of the present Government of Cuba are:1.The majority of Cubans support Castro (the lowest estimate I have seen is 50 percent).2.There is no effective political opposition.3.Fidel Castro and other members of the Cuban Government espouse or condone communist influence.4.Communist influence is pervading the Government and the body politic at an amazingly fast rate.5.Militant opposition to Castro from without Cuba would only serve his and the communist cause.6.The only foreseeable means of alienating internal support is through disenchantment and disaffection based on economic dissatisfaction and hardship.If the above are accepted or cannot be successfully countered, it follows that every possible means should be undertaken promptly to weaken the economic life of Cuba. If such a policy is adopted, it should be the result of a positive decision which would call forth a line of action which, while as adroit and inconspicuous as possible, makes the greatest inroads in denying money and supplies to Cuba, to decrease monetary and real wages, to bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government.The principal item in our economic quiver would be flexible authority in the sugar legislation. This needs to be sought urgently. All other avenues should likewise be explored. But first, a decision is necessary as to the line of our conduct. Would you wish to have such a proposal prepared for the Secretary?"https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1958-60v06/d49966 years.

David Ainsworth ● 19d

So, Mr Hawkes, you're now in favour of illegal immigrants arriving in small boats from authoritarian regimes! Id imagine Afghanistan, Sudan, Iran, etc regimes are a lot worse than Cuba which, as our Irish contributions tor says, does have a good hospital service and is, to my knowledge, free to all Cubans, unlike the US health disfunctional health system.  Perhaps that's what US governments dislike about Cuba?

Michael Ixer ● 19d

Boycie'Trump and Netanyahu's shenanigans'.Of all the actions carried out by these two politicians, the latter being the leader of a country these Paddy faux revolutionaries seem most hell bent on seeing annihilated by their Islamic fanbase including yourself, I am surprised you think that the denial of your holiday among the peasants in Cuba is most injurious.Still if you want to experience life amongst Cubans you could get a cheap flight to Miami where tens of thousands of them have emigrated to having found life less idyllic in Cuba than you seem to imagine it.Many risking their lives by doing so in small boats.Don't think many chose to relocate to Dublin as illegal immigrants seem not to be that welcomed by the working class.Certainly less so than you seem to have been by your arch enemy - we Brits.And I am sure you can view this group in Camden !☘️

John Hawkes ● 19d

I'm glad you asked, John. Here are the details:Irish rap trio Kneecap will join an international aid convoy to Cuba next week, as the island nation faces an escalating humanitarian crisis caused by a brutal US blockade.The artists, who made global headlines last year for a Coachella performance at which they displayed the message “Fuck Israel. Free Palestine” will join activists who took part in the Gaza aid flotilla. This month’s Nuestra America Convoy was originally conceived as a flotilla, but was expanded so that aid will also travel by air and land after organisers said they were “inundated with requests to support this critical mission”.“The Nuestra America Convoy will challenge Trump’s imperial aggression,” Kneecap wrote on Instagram. “The Trump administration is strangling the island, cutting off fuel, flights, and critical supplies for survival.” The Cuban capital, Havana, is in the grip of an “acute sanitation crisis” because waste trucks are unable to operate without fuel, they added, while the risk of mosquito-borne diseases is increasing as fumigation trucks stand idle. Donald Trump has significantly escalated the decades-long US blockade by threatening to impose tariffs on any country that sells fuel to Cuba, leading to widespread blackouts and disruption to the delivery of food and the production and distribution of medicine.  “This is the barbarity of the blockade, first conceived to ‘bring about hunger and desperation’ by the US state department in 1960,” Kneecap wrote, quoting from a government memorandum discussing the plot to bring down then-leader Fidel Castro.  Despite the US blockade, Cuba has built one of the most successful healthcare systems in the world, and regularly sends its doctors to other countries to treat people for free. It has also helped more than 10 million people from over 30 countries learn to read through its literacy programme. “It’s time to break the siege,” Kneecap’s statement said, “and stand up for Cuba, as they have stood up for us.”Mighty stuff, indeed!

Gerry Boyce ● 19d

Boycie'By the way, the band are performing in Cuba next week.!'Is there anyone left on that failed island state that can afford a ticket ?And will they be playing that quaint 'tiddly pom' music you Irish are famous for ?And backed up by Riverdance ?👯

John Hawkes ● 19d

I think the EU are Cuba's main trading partner; hopefully, that still remains the case. I guess they still trade a lot with South America too.

Gerry Boyce ● 19d

"I imagine the food is delicious"I imagine the cuisine might be delicious, but not for quite a while:-"The United States maintains a comprehensive economic embargo on the Republic of Cuba. In February 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed an embargo on trade between the United States and Cuba, in response to certain actions taken by the Cuban Government, and directed the Departments of Commerce and the Treasury to implement the embargo, which remains in place today."https://www.state.gov/cuba-sanctions#:~:text=The%20United%20States%20maintains%20a,F.%20Kennedy%20proclaimed%20an%20embargo

David Ainsworth ● 19d

I don't know about 'irrelevant' Sue. If so, why have the government pursued them legally for over a year? Obviously, it says a lot more about the government than it does about this rap band from Belfast. The whole thing has been an overblown reaction by the government to demonstrate their support of Israel. I agree with Mo Chara, a massive embarrassment for the British State and definitely not Starmer's finest hour.Anyway, I'd love to go to Cuba and see what it's like; the music is fantastic, the architecture is beautiful and I imagine the food is delicious....wouldn't it be great to meet the Cubans and see the countryside? And show a little solidarity with people who may well be facing Trump's fire in the not too distant future.  If I could add in a gig by Kneecap, although not really my thing, then why not?Unfortunately, Trump and Netanyahu's shenanigans in The Gulf means, yet again, its probably time to batten down the hatches and prepare for another period of global turbulence.

Gerry Boyce ● 19d

“ "I will not be silent. Kneecap will not be silent."Amen to that!By the way, the band are performing in Cuba next week.!”Ooh such irrelevant little rebels!🤣Being such an adoring fan, I assume you will be going …

Sue Hammond ● 19d

Can the Met be charged with wasting police time? (under Section 5(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1967)Looks likely that undercover police are still keeping us "safe".Overall crime in Westminster remains very high, with 132 crimes per 1,000 people (according to 2026 projections), making it a high-risk area for retail theft.Meanwhile the Downing Street gang continue to involve the UK in international violence and resource theft.

David Ainsworth ● 19d

Yes, it does seem disproportionate compared to the apparent lack of action against criminal shoplifting gangs; I assume the onesat the Quakey meeting house weren't going to be violent?"Why did 30 Met officers kick the door down at a teenage tea and biscuits meeting in a Quaker house? | Protest | The Guardian"https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/10/police-raid-london-quaker-meeting-house-very-worryingIt reminds me of an acquaintance at university in the 1970s who justified his shoplifting on the basis that "property is theft ". One has to have sympathy with the police: they don't make the laws, and have to cope with everything from street violence and shop lifting to high tech international cyber crime ...

Michael Ixer ● 19d

The Government aided by proposed changes in the law using the police to enforce are determined to silence dissident voices.The recent second and entirely un warranted raid on Westminster Friends Meeting House is another very good example of this. On Thursday evening, 5 March, more than 10 officers entered the meeting house and arrested 15 supporters of Take Back Power - a nonviolent campaign group advocating for a wealth tax - who had hired the room for nonviolent direct action training. See the link below for full details.https://www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-events/news/quaker-meeting-house-suffers-second-met-police-raid

Miles Thompson ● 19d