by 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 ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest taking place currently in the UK.
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 Kier Starmer’s Labour government on several different matters.
Over 100,000 joined a march in central London, branded ‘Unite the Kingdom’, indicative of a resurgence of nationalism in the UK. Protesters hold signs such as the anti-immigration slogan ‘Stop the Boats’ as well as anti-transgender slogans. At the same time, a counter-protest by anti-racism campaigners is also taking place.
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.
Tommy Robinson’s X account used aerial footage of the march in a post that read, “Britain is awake, we are no longer afraid, you will not take our right to free speech. Kier Starmer, we want our country back.” In the video, Robinson’s team have used the James song, ‘Sit Down’.
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, “Disgusted to see the cynical use of ‘Sit Down’by Tommy Robinson. No permission was granted, and we are looking into our options.”
He continued, “The song and most of our topical lyrics, make it very clear where we stand, and it’s the antithesis of this organization.”
James have always been a political band. On the opener of their 2018 album, Booth’s lyrics include ruminations of “white fascists in the White House”.
He also sang, candidly, “This president’s a dangerous tool”.
Robinson’s team has yet to respond to the singer’s statement.
