The BBC has refused to deplatform controversial rap group Kneecap ahead of the trio’s Glastonbury set.

Amid mounting political pressure to not air the group’s performance on Saturday, the BBC insisted that it did not “ban artists” but would make sure that the broadcast “meets our editorial guidelines”.

The Telegraph understands that one option under consideration will be to broadcast Kneecap’s gig on iPlayer after the live performance, as the BBC has done in the past. This allows the broadcaster to scrutinise the set for any language or imagery that might breach BBC guidelines.

But the Conservatives said that allowing Kneecap’s set to be broadcast either live or on iPayer would be “simply not acceptable”.

It comes after a member of the trio was charged with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, at a gig in November 2024.

Liam O’Hanna, 27, appeared in court earlier this month and was released on unconditional bail until his next court appearance on August 20.