Northern Ireland

Irish-language rap trio Kneecap have won their case against new Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch after she blocked an arts grant to the band citing anti-British politics.

They took Badenoch, then business secretary, to court in the summer and at a hearing in Belfast’s high court, the new government said the refusal of £14,250 in funding was “unlawful”, agreeing to release the money and pay Kneecap’s costs.

Lead band member DJ Próvaí, whose real name is JJ Ó Dochartaigh, turned up at court wearing his trademark tricolour balaclava and arriving in a mock police Land Rover bearing a Palestinian and Irish flag.

To the mirth of onlookers in court, Mr Justice Scoffield said he was happy to hear there had been a settlement, wishing all sides well with a cheerful Go Raibh Maith Agat, Irish language for thank you.

DJ Próvaí told reporters outside that the case was “never about money” but about equality of expression for all sides in Northern Ireland, as guaranteed in the Good Friday agreement.

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“Today we will send the full amount awarded to two organisations in Belfast who will work with the two communities to create a better future for our young people,” he said, naming Glór na Móna, which promotes Irish language activities and culture, and R-City Belfast, which offers personal and social development for young people.