Jagger: I'm not under Cameron's thumb
Stone pulls out of PM's Davos tea party saying he's fed up of being used as a political football
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Mick Jagger proved he still has the ability to cause controversy as he launched a thinly veiled attack on the Conservative Party last night, accusing it of using him as a "political football".
The 68-year-old Rolling Stones frontman had been due to appear at an event hosted by David Cameron at the Davos summit in Switzerland this week, but pulled out after concerns his political allegiances might be misconstrued.
Model Lily Cole, the inventor of the worldwide web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, and Boris Johnson are also on the guestlist for the event, which is aimed at promoting investment in Britain
In a statement released last night, Sir Mick said: "During my career I have always eschewed party politics and came to Davos as a guest, as I thought it would be stimulating.
"I have always been interested in economics and world events. I now find myself being used as a political football and there has been a lot of comments about my political allegiances which are inaccurate. He added: "I think it's best I decline the invitation to the key event and curtail my visit."
The withdrawal is embarrassing for the Government. Earlier, a Downing Street source had welcomed Sir Mick's involvement amid efforts to plug Britain in a year that will see the Olympics in London and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
A senior government source later said: "At no point was there ever any suggestion that Sir Mick was a Conservative. He understandably wishes to remain apolitical. This is not a political event. This is simply an event that promotes British creativity abroad."
Davos worries about greater equality
opinion, page 18
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments