Stormzy attacked Theresa May over the Grenfell Tower fire
Downing Street today rejected a furious attack from rapper Stormzy branding Theresa May a ‘criminal’ and accusing her of neglecting victims of the Grenfell disaster.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman insisted Mrs May was ‘absolutely committed’ to helping those affected by the tragedy.
The response came after Stormzy used his appearance at the Brit Awards last night to launch a tirade against the government.
Raging about the devastating tower block blaze that claimed the lives of 71 people in June, the rapper said: ‘Yo Theresa May, where’s the money for Grenfell? Do you think we’ve just forgotten about Grenfell? You criminals!’
He added: ‘You got the cheek to call us savages, you should do some jail time, you should pay some damages!’
‘We should burn your house down, we’ll see if you can manage it!’
The attack came as the Big For Your Boots star closed the star-studded show last night.
But the PM’s spokesman flatly denied that the PM had been negligent about responding to the disaster in inner London, pointing out that more than £58million had been allocated to helping victims.
‘The Prime Minister has been very clear that Grenfell was an unimaginable tragedy that should never have happened and must never happen again,’ the spokesman said.
‘She’s determined that the public inquiry will discover not just what went wrong but why the voices of the people of Grenfell were ignored over so many years.
‘In terms of support for the people affected by this tragedy, more than £58 million has been committed.’
A public inquiry is under way into the causes of and response to the Grenfell Tower disaster, chaired by retired judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick.
It is understood Mrs May did not watch the Brit Awards last night, and there are not thought to be any plans for her to meet the star.
A public inquiry is under way into the causes of the blaze at Grenfell Tower (pictured), chaired by retired judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick
Downing Street flatly denied that Theresa May (pictured at No10 yesterday) had neglected Grenfell victims
Jeremy Corbyn, who was endorsed by Stormzy at the general election last year, tweeted: ‘Congratulations @Stormzy1 for winning your first #BRIT award, and what a powerful performance. #Grenfell.’
Labour MP David Lammy praised the south London rapper on Twitter following his performance.
He wrote: ‘Theresa May where’s the money for Grenfell? You think we forgot about Grenfell?’. Respect @Stormzy1 speaking truth to power. #BRITs2018.’
Labour MP for Kensington Emma Dent Coad tweeted: ‘Thank you for speaking truth to power, @Stormzy1. ‘Theresa May where’s the money for Grenfell? You think we forgot about Grenfell?’ he sang live on the #BRITs.
Superstars of the night: British artists Dua Lipa and Stormzy beamed in delight as they won two awards each at the BRIT Awards 2018, held at London’s 02 Arena on Wednesday evening
In a direct rap, addressed to the British Prime Minister, Stormzy said: ‘Yo Theresa May, where’s the money for Grenfell?’
‘In Kensington we will never forget. We will never stop fighting for Justice. No justice, no peace.’
It is not the first time Stormzy has taken aim at Mrs May at a public event.
In September last year, he labelled her a ‘paigon’ at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.
According to the Urban dictionary, a paigon is ‘a friend that lies, betrays and isn’t true to you’.
Stormzy’s debut album Gang Signs and Prayer was the first grime album to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart.
Hosted by Jack Whitehall, fans saw performances from the likes of Clean Bandit, J Hus, Jorja Smith Rita Ora and Liam Payne.