Glastonbury chanters or the Southport hate-tweeter – throw the book at one, you must throw it at them all | Marina Hyde

The news of Avon and Somerset police launching criminal investigations into bands Bob Vylan and Kneecap for their Glastonbury sets highlights the UK's prisons crisis. It seems that the UK is imprisoning people for saying offensive things rather than taking action. This approach is reminiscent of countries with questionable human rights records. The author argues that imprisoning people for their words is not a good look for the UK. The investigations into Bob Vylan and Kneecap are examples of this trend. Lucy Connolly, who was imprisoned for a repulsive tweet, could potentially be joined by the band members in prison. The BBC is also being called to be investigated for not pulling the Glastonbury live stream during Bob Vylan's performance. Conservative frontbencher Chris Philp is leading the charge, calling for the BBC to be prosecuted. The author is critical of Philp's stance, implying that he is overstepping his bounds as shadow home secretary. The UK's approach to free speech and imprisonment is concerning and warrants reevaluation. Ultimately, the author believes that imprisoning people for their words is not the solution to the UK's problems.