Overview

• On July 7, Brighton Council leader Bella Sankey asked Sussex Police to investigate Rod Liddle and Spectator editor Michael Gove for incitement to terrorism over his “And Now Let’s Bomb Glastonbury” column
• On July 8, Tayab Ali of the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians lodged a separate complaint with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley alleging the article advocates lethal violence against a civilian festival audience
• Both referrals contend that Liddle’s nuclear strike suggestion, though described as satirical, breaches UK terrorism legislation forbidding encouragement or glorification of violence
• Sussex Police and the Metropolitan Police have confirmed receipt of the complaints but have not disclosed any investigative decisions or charges
• Free speech figures, including Lord Young and Richard Tice, warn that pursuing the complaints could chill satirical expression under existing legal precedents