A video captured during Friday’s Idles set at Glastonbury of what appears to be a small inflatable boat with migrants inside wearing life jackets has sparked debate online, with some calling it “tasteless”. Home Office data shows that 150 migrants arrived on four boats across the English Channel on 26 June.
The day before, 144 arrived in three and on 23 June 257 arrived in four ships. It seems no one can agree on whether the Glastonbury inflatable is offensive or what its relevance is.
Some say it’s virtue signaling from privileged people. But the lyrics to an Idles song talk about an immigrant, so it seemed to some that there was a musical context to it.
The song Danny Nedelko begins with the lines: “My blood brother is an immigrant. A beautiful immigrant.”
The clip has a range of responses online. Some have condemned it. @Derbyshirered said: “This is the most average, out of touch thing I’ve ever seen. It couldn’t be more Glastonbury.”
@GreenEmily123 wrote: “Seems a bit tasteless ngl.” @arisonsned said: “That’s one of the most tasteless things I’ve ever seen. Who thought that was a good idea?”
“I’ve been an Idles fan for years,” wrote @LumberjackLamar, “and I *sort of* understand the sentiment but this… seems incredibly crass.”
“Can’t tell which side they’re taking the f*** from here”
Others are just confused. @benmitchell76 said: “Can’t tell which side they’re taking the p*** from here.”
Jokes about Glastonbury and the country’s border were made by some. @Hod40733612Marc said: “How did they get through festival borders? Way tougher than country borders!”
@darren_dm001 commented: “Easier to get into the UK than to get into Glastonbury!”
An Interior Ministry spokesman said on June 19: “We continue to work closely with our French partners to prevent crossings and save lives.”
You can find more information about the BBC’s Glastonbury coverage for TV, iPlayer, radio and BBC Sounds, here.
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