Morrissey has backed former Smiths bandmate Johnny Marr after the guitarist “forbid” David Cameron from liking the band.

In a message posted on fan site True To You, Morrissey said Marr was right to speak out about the prime minister, who has often spoken of his fondness for the group.

“It is true that music is a universal language – the ONLY universal language, and belongs to all, one way or another,” he wrote.

“However, with fitting grimness I must report that David Cameron hunts and shoots and kills stags – apparently for pleasure.

“It was not for such people that either ‘Meat is Murder’ or ‘The Queen is Dead’ were recorded; in fact, they were made as a reaction against such violence.”

In a message on Twitter earlier this week, Marr said: “David Cameron, stop saying that you like The Smiths, no you don't. I forbid you to like it.”

Morrissey went on to add that he had turned down a recent appearance on The Andrew Marr Show alongside David Cameron because the conservative wanted to repeal the Hunting Act.

(by Jason Gregory)