Police have confirmed they will take no further action against the frontman of punk duo Bob Vylan following an investigation into chants made during their Glastonbury Festival performance.
Investigation Concludes After CPS Advice
Avon and Somerset Police announced the decision on Tuesday, 23 December 2025. The force stated that, after a comprehensive review of all evidence and seeking advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the comments did not meet the criminal threshold required for a prosecution.
In an official statement, a police spokesperson said: “We have concluded, after reviewing all the evidence, that it does not meet the criminal threshold outlined by the CPS for any person to be prosecuted. No further action will be taken on the basis there is insufficient evidence for there to be a realistic prospect of conviction.”
Voluntary Interview and Festival Incident
The investigation centred on chants led by frontman Bobby Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, during the band's set on the BBC's livestream from Worthy Farm on Saturday 28 June. Reports indicated the chants included the phrase “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)”.
As part of their enquiries, officers conducted a voluntary interview with a man in his mid-thirties in November. He was informed of the decision to close the case earlier on Tuesday.
Police Defend Decision to Investigate
While confirming no charges would be brought, Avon and Somerset Police defended their decision to investigate the matter thoroughly. The force acknowledged the significant public reaction to the incident.
“The comments made on Saturday 28 June drew widespread anger, proving that words have real-world consequences,” the statement continued. “We believe it is right this matter was comprehensively investigated, every potential criminal offence was thoroughly considered, and we sought all the advice we could to ensure we made an informed decision.”
The conclusion of the police probe brings an end to a case that highlighted ongoing debates around free speech, protest, and the boundaries of public commentary at major cultural events.
