Jet2holidays distances itself from White House deportation video

Jet2 has distanced itself from a video shared by the White House showing handcuffed people being escorted by immigration officials onto a plane accompanied by Jess Glynne’s 2015 hit Hold my Hand, which has become synonymous with the company.

The post on the White House’s official X account was captioned: "When ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. Nothing beats it!"

Glynne was quick to condemn the post, saying she felt "sick" that her song had been used as the audio to a video promoting deportations, while many others across the globe have also criticised the move.

Now, Jet2 has also distanced itself, saying it is “not endorsed by us in any way”.

“We are of course aware of a post from the White House social media account,” said a Jet2 spokesperson.

“This is not endorsed by us in any way, and we are very disappointed to see our brand being used to promote government policy such as this.”

Jet2’s advert has become one of the most widespread memes this summer, with social media users worldwide sharing footage of bleak holiday scenes accompanied by the upbeat song – which has featured in Jet2holidays adverts since 2015 – and cheery voiceover of actor Zoë Lister, whose “nothing beats a Jet2 holiday” catchphrase humorously juxtaposes the footage.

The Jet2 spokesperson added: “Our branding has become something of a viral phenomenon this summer and we are pleased to see how many people have used it in good humour.

“This has put a smile on many people’s faces, just like our holidays do.”

Lister has also hit out at the White House’s post, saying she would never condone her voiceover “being used in promotion with Trump and his abhorrent policies”.

Donald Trump has overseen a mass arrest and incarceration scheme since taking office six months ago in a bid to ramp up the country’s immigration enforcement.

While the White House’s post attracted widespread criticism, it was applauded by supporters of Trump.