Overview

• The Crown Prosecution Service said it will challenge Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring’s September decision declaring the proceedings unlawful and null.
• The magistrate found the charge fell outside the six‑month limit because Attorney General or DPP consent was not in place when a postal charge was issued on 21 May, with consent given on 22 May.
• Prosecutors argue consent need only be obtained before a first court appearance rather than at the moment of charging, framing the appeal as an important point of law.
• The underlying allegation concerns Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag and shouting supportive slogans at a November 2024 London gig, which he denies.
• Kneecap condemned the appeal as a waste of public money and political policing, and Attorney General Lord Hermer separately warned Robert Jenrick to avoid comments that could prejudice potential future proceedings.