Van Morrison faces call to lose freedom of Belfast over protest songs
SIR Van Morrison’s freedom of Belfast honour should be revoked, critics have said, after he recorded anti-lockdown protest songs.
Belfast city council has been urged to remove the civic accolade, which was awarded to the musician in 2013 in recognition of his career.
The 75-year-old singer drew anger after it emerged that he was releasing a trio of anti-lockdown songs, in which he calls for an end to measures that
“enslave” people. Emmet Mcdonoughbrown, a city councillor, said: “Van Morrison was given the freedom of Belfast, the highest honour the city can bestow.
“His most recent lyrics undermine the guidance in place to protect lives and are ignorant of established science as we grapple with Covid-19.
“So I’ve asked Belfast city council to consider revoking it.”
He added: “I think we should withdraw the endorsement. He remains free to say whatever he wants.” Sir Van was brought up in east Belfast and the city provided the inspiration for songs such as Cyprus Avenue and On Hyndford Street.
One of the new tracks, No More Lockdown, labels those who are “disturbing our peace” as “fascist bullies”.
Belfast is facing renewed restrictions that prevent people from entering the homes of others due to a rising rate of infection.
Robin Swann, Northern Ireland’s health minister, said the protest songs were “dangerous”. He told the BBC: “I don’t know where he gets his facts. I know where the emotions are on this, but I will say that sort of messaging is dangerous.
“If Van wanted to sing a song about saving lives, then that would be more in keeping with where we are at the minute.”
Sir Van’s lyrics include a reference to an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory that scientists are “making up crooked facts”. He also criticises celebrities “telling us what we are supposed to feel” and calls for an end to the “status quo”. In a statement, Sir Van said: “I’m not telling people what to do or think, the Government is doing a great job of that already. It’s about freedom of choice, I believe people should have the right to think for themselves.”
Jim Rodgers, a long-serving Ulster Unionist councillor who was brought up about half a mile from Sir Van’s home in east Belfast said he would be opposed to revoking the honour.
“It is a cheap political stunt from Cllr Mcdonough-brown,” he added. “I did not agree with what [Sir Van] said, but nevertheless I would not be prepared to go down that road.”