Billy Bragg has issued a statement reflecting on the passing of Margaret Thatcher.
Billy Bragg remains one of the most enduring musical figures to be politicised by the premiership of Margaret Thatcher. The songwriter has spoken openly of his time supporting the Miner's Strike, of the kindness he was shown as he criss-crossed the country playing all manner of shows.
An outspoken critic of the politician (and – indeed – of the Conservative party in general) Billy Bragg was on tour in Canada when news of Thatcher's passing broke. ClashMusic has no intention of gathering together every tit bit and tribute regarding the politician which comes our way, but we felt that Bragg's words were a humble, humane reflection on the passing of a turbulent era in British life – one whose effects can still be felt today.
"This is not a time for celebration. The death of Margaret Thatcher is nothing more than a salient reminder of how Britain got into the mess that we are in today. Of why ordinary working people are no longer able to earn enough from one job to support a family; of why there is a shortage of decent affordable housing; of why domestic growth is driven by credit, not by real incomes; of why tax-payers are forced to top up wages; of why a spiteful government seeks to penalise the poor for having an extra bedroom; of why Rupert Murdoch became so powerful; of why cynicism and greed became the hallmarks of our society."
"Raising a glass to the death of an infirm old lady changes none of this. The only real antidote to cynicism is activism. Don't celebrate – organise!"
Here's Billy Bragg performing 'Between The Wars'.
