Singer hits out at politicians ‘living in bullet-proof bubble’
SINGER Morrissey yesterday criticised political leaders for refusing to use the phrase “Islamic extremism”.
The Manchester-born former Smiths star hit out at Theresa May and the mayors of Manchester and London, Andy Burnham and Sadiq Khan, after Monday’s suicide bombing.
Morrissey, 58, incurred the wrath of some fans over a Facebook post claiming Mr Khan “does not condemn Islamic State”.
The singer wrote: “In modern Britain everyone seems petrified to officially say what we all say in private.
“Politicians tell us they are unafraid but they are never the victims. The anger is monumental.
“For what reason will this ever stop?
“Theresa May says such attacks ‘will not break us’ but her own life is lived in a bullet-proof bubble.
“Also, ‘will not break us’ means that the tragedy will not break her, or her policies on immigration. The young people of Manchester are already broken – thanks all the same, Theresa.”
Aiming his anger at Mr Khan, he went on: “Sadiq Khan says ‘London is united with Manchester’ but he does not condemn Islamic State – who have claimed responsibility for the bomb.
“Manchester mayor Andy Burnham says the attack is the work of an ‘extremist’. An extreme what? An extreme rabbit?”
There was mixed reaction among Morrissey’s fans, with one arguing: “Sadiq has spoken out against Islamic State, many times.”
One comment read: “Little children have been killed, yet people wish to turn this into a political debate and incite racial violence.”
Another referred to the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed by right-wing extremist Thomas Mair in her constituency last June. The post said: “Jo Cox wasn’t ‘protected from the line of fire’, was she, Morrissey?’”
But other fans agreed with the singer’s outburst, with one writing: “Well said, Morrissey!
“Get your manifesto drawn up. I’ll vote for you!”