DJ Mike Read withdraws ‘racist’ Ukip calypso

Former Radio 1 star Read apologised for “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 dubbed 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 profits 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.”

Read told the Press Association: “I’m so sorry that the song unintentionally caused offence. That was never my intention and I apologise unreservedly if anyone has taken offence.

“I’ve asked the record company to withdraw the single immediately.”

Read, a former Conservative supporter, used the song to warn his listeners against trusting David Cameron, singing: “The British people have been let down, that’s why Ukip is making ground. From Crewe to Cleethorpes, from Hull to Hendon, they don’t believe Cameron’s referendum.”