TV and singing star says music should be priority for all political parties

PRESENTER Alexander Armstrong said it is not “all about Brexit” as he called on the Government to do to more to support music education.

The comedian said music can bring huge benefits to all people, especially those with mental illnesses, and should be prioritised by any ruling party.

An acclaimed singer, the TV star told how he was enjoying making his return to music after stepping aside from the career in his early 20s.

His comments came as he visited the newly refurbished Nordoff-Robbins music therapy centre in north London, where he sat in on a session with fouryear-old Genesis, who has autism.

The father-of-three, 47, said: “The rehabilitative effect of music is undeniable, it’s amazing and incredibly moving what it does for all sorts of people.

“It’s beholden on all of us to make sure that things like this don’t get overlooked and forgotten about.

“In the weft and weave of politics I think these sorts of human stories get shoved to one side, but we have to make sure they are right up front and centre.

“It’s not all about Brexit and I like to think that, in less straitened times, the ideas in any party’s manifesto would be that there is ample room for these things to thrive.”

Armstrong was invited to the session as he was announced winner of the group’s PPL Classical Award for his work in music, which will see him release his third album this year.

The television presenter said: “It’s really thrilling because I have come back to music properly for the first time since I was a full-time musician up to the age of 22.”