Suffolk star Ed Sheeran says he did not give permission for his vocals to be used in the 40th-anniversary mix of Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas?

In a post on Instagram, the Framlingham-raised singer said he would have “respectfully” declined to appear in the new version of the charity song.

The 33-year-old wrote: “My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals.

“A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by @fuseodg. This is just my personal stance, I’m hoping it’s a forward-looking one. Love to all x.”

Sheeran had previously appeared in Band Aid 30 alongside One Direction, Sam Smith and Chris Martin from Coldplay.

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In the post on Instagram, he referenced another post by Ghanaian-English singer and rapper Fuse ODG, who worked with him on the track Boa Me.

Fuse ODG says that he had previously “refused” to be part of the 30th Band Aid song as he feels that while the charity helps get “sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism, and investment”.

He added: “By showcasing dehumanising imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership, discouraging meaningful engagement.

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“My mission has been to reclaim the narrative, empowering Africans to tell their own stories, redefine their identity, and position Africa as a thriving hub for investment and tourism.

“Today, the diaspora drives the largest flow of funds back into the continent, not Band Aid or foreign aid proving that Africa’s solutions and progress lies in its own hands.”

Sheeran has previously worked with African artists including Nigerian singers Fireboy DML and Burna Boy.

The latest Band Aid track blends voices from three previous editions of the song, Band Aid (1984), Band Aid 20 (2004) and Band Aid 30 (2014), including Harry Styles, George Michael, U2’s Bono and Martin.

This comes as Sheeran was recently spotted in Southwold alongside Love Actually director, Richard Curtis, for a new Christmas film.