Canada has barred Irish-language rap trio Kneecap from entering the country ahead of its scheduled concerts next month, accusing the band of promoting hate and violence and supporting terrorist groups, a member of the Liberal government says.

Belfast-based Kneecap, who regularly display pro-Palestinian messages during their gigs, have caused controversy elsewhere.

At the Glastonbury Festival in southwest England in June, frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh - known by the stage name Mo Chara - accused Israel of committing war crimes.

Israel has denied such accusations.

Vince Gasparro, Canada's parliamentary secretary for combating crime, said in a video on X that the members of the group have been deemed ineligible to enter the country because of actions and statements that violate Canadian law

See Full Page