Song is not a seal of approval, say U2

The band U2 distanced themselves from Tony Blair last night after he came on stage to one of their hits at Labour's conference.

The band U2 distanced themselves from Tony Blair last night after he came on stage to one of their hits at Labour's conference.

The Prime Minister entered to the strains of "Beautiful Day" at the gathering in Gateshead. A spokesman for the band, in Los Angeles for the Grammy awards, said it was no indication of their political leanings.

The lead singer, Bono, has appeared with Mr Blair and the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, seeking help for developing countries. The US Democratic challenger, John Kerry, used the hit in his failed presidential bid.