Morrissey has spoken out to explain his support of the controversial party For Britain, as well as saying that the media treatment of EDL co-founder Tommy Robinson has been “shocking”.
Earlier this year, Morrissey made headlines when he discussed accusations of racism and alleged connections between Halal meat and ISIS. He also referred to Hitler as ‘left wing’ and said that London Mayor Sadiq Khan “can not talk properly”. He later issued a new statement in which he said he “despised racism and racism” and voiced his support for Muslims, while also advocating far right political party For Britain.
Now in a new interview with Fiona Dodwell on Tremr, the former Smiths frontman has explained his stance and called for more of a political dialogue between ideologies.
“I have been following a new party called For Britain which is led by Anne Marie Waters,” said Morrissey. “It is the first time in my life that I will vote for a political party. Finally I have hope. I find the Tory-Labour-Tory-Labour constant switching to be pointless.
“For Britain has received no media support and have even been dismissed with the usual childish ‘racist’ accusation. I don’t think the word ‘racist’ has any meaning any more, other than to say “you don’t agree with me, so you’re a racist.” People can be utterly, utterly stupid. ”
Calling for more free speech in the political realm, Morrissey continued: “Anne Marie Waters seeks open discussion about all aspects of modern Britain, whereas other parties will not allow diverse opinion. She is like a humane version of Thatcher … if such a concept could be. She is absolute leadership, she doesn’t read from a script, she believes in British heritage, freedom of speech, and she wants everyone in the UK to live under the same law.
“I find this compelling, now, because it’s very obvious that Labour or the Tories do not believe in free speech… I mean, look at the shocking treatment of Tommy Robinson… ”
He added: “I know the media don’t want Anne Marie Waters and they try to smear her, but they are wrong and they should give her a chance, and they should stop accusing people who want open debate as being ‘racist’. As I said previously, the left has become right-wing and the right-wing has become left – a complete switch, and this is a very unhappy modern Britain.”
Previously denying accusations of prejudice, Morrissey wrote: “I despise racism. I despise fascism. I would do anything for my Muslim friends, and I know they would do anything for me.”
He continued: “In view of this, there is only one British political party that can safeguard our security. That party is For Britain.”
Meanwhile, Morrissey recently announced details of a summer UK tour.
After apair of homecoming shows at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl, the former Smiths turned solo star will now also be playing July shows in Edinburgh, Portsmouth and Reading.