Read song critics deprived charity of cash, says Ukip

UKIP BLAMED “synthetic outrage” for DJ Mike Read’s decision to withdraw his Calypso song from sale — accusing “right on” critics of depriving a charity of cash to help the fight against Ebola.

Former Radio 1 Read apologised star f or “unintentionally causing offence” with the tune, sung with a mock Caribbean accent, which praises the anti-EU party and its leader Nigel Farage.

The track was promoted by Mr Farage when it was released, with the politician urging his followers to help get it to number one and including a link to buy the song on Amazon, but it was branded racist by some critics.

Ukip said it regretted that Read had felt obliged to ask his record company to withdraw it from sale and said it would donate its share of the proceeds so far to the Red Cross to help make up for income the charity would miss from future sales.

“This is Mike’s song and it is obviously his decision what to do with it,” a party spokeswoman said.

“We do think it is a shame that he has been treated so harshly by many in the ‘right on’ media but we respect his decision.

“We thought it was just a bit of fun, as did thousands of people, evidenced by how well it has been selling.

“Were it not for the synthetic outrage, the song would have generated a lot of money for charity as prof its were to be split with the Red Cross for their Ebola Outreach programme.

“It’s a pity those so concerned with political correctness have trodden all over this.”