Watch Boris Johnson sing to save Soho in protest against closure of Madame Jojo's
The Mayor of London sang alongside Save Soho founder Tim Arnold
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A video has emerged that shows Boris Johnson singing for Soho with protesters who are against the closure of the area’s legendary cabaret club Madame Jojo’s.
In footage taken today, the Mayor of London is seen stumbling his way through the lyrics to the song Don’t Go Changing Soho as duets with singer-songwriter and founder of the Save Soho campaign group Tim Arnold.
The video shows Johnson standing next to Arnold as they sing the words: “Don’t go changing Soho,
“Don’t go changing Soho,
“Give back to Soho so it carries on.”
The video came on the day that supporters of the Save Soho campaign joined together in central London’s infamous district to protest against the closure of Madame Jojo’s and ensure that the planned development in the area does not destroy its “spirit and character”.
Johnson was given a guided tour of the area by Arnold who founded the Save Soho campaign last year, after it was announced in November that world famous Madame Jojo’s would be closed following an incident the club's bouncers October 2014.
At the event, Johnson spoke of the need to give councils back the power to stop buildings for businesses being converted into residential properties.
Speaking to ITV News at the gathering, he said: “That's okay in some parts of London - it's very bad news in places like Soho,”
“You rely on business being able to start up with young people without very much cash ... You see the loss of some of the bars and the clubs that actually drive the night-time economy here in the heart of London.”
Since the Save Soho campaign started last year, it has garnered support from a number of high-profile names, including Paul O’Grady, Idris Elba and Save Soho’s chairman Stephen Fry.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments