Boris: Why ban Swing Low? Nobody knows the words
RUGBY fans should not be banned from singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, insists Boris Johnson.
As the sport’s governing body reviews the historical context of the song the Prime Minister said there should not be “any sort of prohibition on singing that song” and he would “love” to hear the full lyrics.
The Rugby Football Union has said the song is “sung by many who have no awareness of its origins or sensitivities”, and is evaluating its use amid the recent Black Lives Matter protests.
The song is believed to have its roots in 19th century America, with its credited author being Wallace Willis – a freed black slave.
When asked about the song on a visit to a school in Hertfordshire, Mr Johnson said: “As for Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, nobody as far as I understand it seems to know the words – whenever I go to a rugby match. They go ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot, coming for to carry me home’ and then it all dies out.
“How does it go on? That’s my objection, that’s my question. I certainly don’t think there should be any sort of prohibition on singing
PRODUCERS of Strictly Come Dancing have been planning the steps they will need to take to make the show safely. These include the pro dancers isolating together in a hotel for a fortnight from the end of July – before they record every group dance for the entire series.
Then they will be put in a social “bubble” with their celeb partner until the final in December.
A show insider explained: “Government rules state only single that song.” Instead he said people should “focus less on the symbols of discrimination” and “more on the substance of the issue”.
The anthem has been sung at clubs since the 1960s but came to prominence at Twickenham in 1987.
Former England international Martin Offiah, 53, has welcomed the RFU review but does not want people can form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household. But by September it’s very likely to have been extended to couples and even whole households.
“The celebs and their pros will exclusively bubble together – allowing them to dance all day and still go home to their loved ones in the evening.”
Celebrities rumoured to have signed up include Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing, who was injured last year and replaced by Kelvin Fletcher, the eventual the tune banned either. He told Radio 5 Live: “The song is not really what the issue is here – the issue is about diversity and inclusion.
“I think this is the first step as we progress towards change.”
But former British and Irish Lions star Brian Moore, 58, says he “hates” Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.
He said: “It’s definitely an emotional winner with Oti Mabuse. Also said to be starring this autumn are Alan Carr, Stacey Solomon and Maya Jama.
Among the changes they will notice are presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman having to keep their distance from each other. And families could sit at cabaret tables to form the audience.
There are also fears that judge Bruno Tonioli, currently in Los Angeles, may have to miss at least part of the series if travel restrictions are not eased. A source said: “His seat will be kept warm.”
Martin Offiah, left, does not want the song banned from the terraces, unlike Brian Moore, right, who ‘hates it’
piece of music, very emotive, it stirs up feelings and that’s probably something to do with its history.
“It was sung because of the rude gestures that went with it and without any thought of its origins. The world has moved on and, rightly, things that were normal then should not necessarily be normal now.”
England and Saracens star Maro
Itoje, 25, has raised concerns about the song. He said: “I don’t think anyone at Twickenham is singing it with malicious intent, but the background of that song is complicated.”
A spokesman for the RFU said: “We need to do more to achieve diversity and we are determined to accelerate change and grow awareness.”