Tim Booth, lead singer of the band James, has expressed his disgust after far-right activist Tommy Robinson used the band's hit song 'Sit Down' to promote an anti-migrant demonstration in London.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Laxley-Lennon, shared a video on social media featuring the song alongside aerial footage of the rally, with a caption stating: '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 response, Booth posted on X: 'Disgusted to see the cynical use of "Sit Down" by @TRobinsonNewEra. No permission was granted, and we are looking into our options. The song and most of our topical lyrics, make it very clear where we stand, and it's the antithesis of this organization.'
The protest, organised by Robinson and dubbed 'Unite the Kingdom', drew over 110,000 people to central London on Saturday. The Metropolitan Police reported that a crowd of protesters attacked officers with projectiles, leading to the deployment of 500 extra officers as clashes occurred between protesters and counter-protesters.
Controversial figures including Katie Hopkins and Laurence Fox joined Robinson, who addressed thousands of followers. Tech billionaire Elon Musk also addressed the rally via video link. Labour MP Diane Abbott, who led the counter-protest, accused the organisers of spreading 'dangerous lies' about men of colour.
