Massive Attack has issued a warning to a Britain so polarised by the Brexit vote that it must not be swayed by “populist bulls***” being propagated in the aftermath of the EU referendum.
The effects of the seismic EU referendum continue to be felt across the country. As the Brexit fallout continues, reports of racist and xenophobic incidents are on the rise. Some are attempting to counter racism by wearing safety pins in support of immigrants living in the UK.
British politics is becoming increasingly turbulent in the midst of a messy leadership contest and a string of promises being made by contenders setting out their stall. Michael Gove launched his leadership bid with a pledge to lower immigration and a promise to “take back control of our borders” while Theresa May asserted she would have no hestiation in delivering the outcome 52 per cent of voters chose with the unequivocal: "Brexit means Brexit."
On Friday night, Massive Attack played their 1994 hit "Eurochild" for the first time in 20 years as a eulogy to Britain’s membership of the EU. Using their platform at the British Summertime Festival in Hyde Park, they delivered a rallying cry to Britain not to let “bigots and racist” tear it apart.
Frontman Robert Del Naja made a powerful call for unity and tolerance, appearing in front of images of men and women with “we are in this together” and “#wearerefugees” written across them.
“We didn't expect to be singing this 20 years later as a requiem,” he told the crowd.
“As sons of immigrants, we (Del Naja and fellow band member Grant Marshall) are both very disappointed with the situation.
”We can't allow ourselves to fall victim to the populist bulls*** going on at the moment. We can't let the bigots and racists back into this situation because this is bulls***.”
The turbulence triggered by the referendum has led to calls for calm from a number of figures including The Queen, who also acknowledged that “staying calm and collected” would be a difficult task in this “increasingly challenging world” when she opened the fifth session of Scottish Parliament on Saturday.
In central London, thousands have gathered to march through the capital in a protest against Britain’s future outside of the EU. The march was organised by comedian Mark Thomas, who estimated up to 40,000 people could join the demonstration.
