James frontman Tim Booth has expressed disdain towards activist Tommy Robinson via X after Robinson used an old James song in a clip that depicts the huge \u2018Unite the Kingdom\u2019\u00a0protest\u00a0taking place currently in the UK.<\/p>\n
Tommy Robinson is a British anti-Islam campaigner. The former English Defence League leader was previously jailed for contempt of court and breaching the terms of a suspended sentence. Since his release, he organised a rally to pressurise\u00a0Kier Starmer\u2019s Labour government on several different matters.<\/p>\n
Over 100,000 joined a march in central London, branded \u2018Unite the Kingdom\u2019, indicative of a resurgence of nationalism in the UK. Protesters hold signs such as the anti-immigration slogan \u2018Stop the Boats\u2019 as well as anti-transgender slogans. At the same time, a counter-protest by anti-racism campaigners is also taking place.<\/p>\n
The rally congregated in Whitehall; attendees heard a series of speeches, including from tech billionaire Elon Musk, via videolink. Though it is ongoing, several arrests have already been made, as well as several more altercations with police.<\/p>\n
Tommy Robinson\u2019s X account used aerial footage of the march in a post that read, \u201cBritain is awake, we are no longer afraid, you will not take our right to free speech. Kier Starmer, we want our country back.\u201d In the video, Robinson\u2019s team have used the James song, \u2018Sit Down\u2019.<\/p>\n
Tim Booth was made aware of this and took to his own account to distance himself from the nationalistic ideology pervasive in the video, as well as the far-right policies Robinson stands for. He began his statement, \u201cDisgusted to see the cynical use of \u2018Sit Down\u2019by Tommy Robinson. No permission was granted, and we are looking into our options.\u201d<\/p>\n
He continued, \u201cThe song and\u00a0most of our topical lyrics, make it very clear where we stand, and it\u2019s the antithesis of this organization.\u201d<\/p>\n
James have always been a political band. On the opener of their 2018 album, Booth\u2019s lyrics include ruminations of \u201cwhite fascists in the White House\u201d.<\/p>\n
He also sang, candidly, \u201cThis president\u2019s a dangerous tool\u201d.<\/p>\n
Robinson\u2019s team has yet to respond to the singer\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n