Peers Urge Home Secretary to Ban Macklemore Before Pro-Palestinian Concert

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 25, 2026

Over 50 members of the British House of Lords have called on Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to cancel American rapper Macklemore’s travel authorization ahead of his October 30 Wembley concert, citing his fundraising support for the Palestinian Youth Movement, which they link to endorsing terrorism. The peers argue that barring Macklemore’s entry is a targeted step to prevent funding of groups associated with violence, while emphasizing it would not impede legitimate humanitarian efforts or access to his music.

A group of more than 50 members of the British House of Lords has urged the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, to revoke American rapper Macklemore’s electronic travel authorization ahead of his concert at Wembley Stadium on October 30. The peers argue that permitting Macklemore entry into the United Kingdom is “not conducive to the public good” due to his planned fundraising for the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), which they describe as an anti-Israel organisation that has sought to justify the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

The letter, drafted by Baron Walney, a former government adviser on political violence, warns that allowing Macklemore—whose legal name is Benjamin Haggerty—to perform and raise money on British soil supports an organisation with a history of “glorifying terrorism” and intimidating elected officials. The letter emphasizes that denying the rapper entry would be a proportionate measure, narrowly focused on preventing foreign nationals from soliciting funds for groups linked to violence, without restricting domestic support for humanitarian organisations or access to Macklemore’s music.

Among the signatories are several prominent peers, including Baron Pickles of Brentwood, former Tory chairman; Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee, former Northern Ireland first minister; Baron Brady of Altrincham, former chairman of the 1922 Committee; and Baron Goldsmith, former MP.

The Palestinian Youth Movement has faced criticism for remarks made following the attacks by Hamas on October 7. Notably, Jeanine Hourani, spokesperson for PYM's UK branch, described the hostage-taking carried out by Hamas as “legitimate” and “effective,” framing it as a reaffirmation of the use of prisoner exchanges within broader national liberation and anti-colonial struggles. The group also published statements asserting that resistance is justified when a population is occupied.

Macklemore’s involvement with pro-Palestinian activism gained wider attention when he was removed from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after leading chants supporting Palestine at concerts in New Jersey in early September. Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium where the tour was scheduled to visit, successfully demanded his removal from subsequent performances.

Representatives for the Home Office, the Palestinian Youth Movement’s UK branch, and Macklemore’s management were contacted for comment. As of now, no response has been publicly confirmed.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.