Stormzy calls for Jacob Rees-Mogg to resign over hateful Grenfell comments

Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg sucks. When he’s not displaying his arrogance in parliament, he’s using his platform to spout hateful comments, most recently saying that the victims of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire lacked “common sense” for not fleeing the burning building. Now, Stormzy has called for the politician to resign.

Rees-Mogg made the remarks this morning on LBC Radio as he discussed how firefighters told residents to remain inside the building while they targeted the fire in June 2017. “I think if either of us were in a fire,” he said, “whatever the fire brigade said, we would leave the burning building.” Continuing his victim-blaming, Rees-Mogg asserted: “It just seems the common sense thing to do and it’s such a tragedy that didn’t happen, but I don’t think it’s anything to do with race or class.”

The MP later issued a meek apology, saying: “What I meant to say is that I would have also listened to the fire brigade’s advice to stay and wait at the time. However, with what we know now and with hindsight I wouldn’t and I don’t think anyone else would.”

In response to the offensive comments, Stormzy – who has been a vocal supporter of Grenfell survivors and critic of the government’s inaction – tweeted: “Oi @Jacob_Rees_Mogg you need to resign you’re an actual piece of shit I beg everyone watch this – MP Jacob Rees-Mogg in a nutshell saying Grenfell Victims should of had the common sense to escape. I can’t believe the cheek fucking hell these politicians are actual aliens.”

The rapper continued: “Let’s bare in mind for 2 secs how horrifying and terrifying the situation would of been for the victims. And then imagine they’re being instructed by firefighters to stay put. This scumbag is saying ‘well boy you lot are dumb to of listened then’ can you imagine ?!!!!”

“This is why we hate you 72 (??) (sic) people died in a tragedy that you people are to blame for. you’ve just caused some PR/media frenzy in the past week sending out headlines saying it was the fire brigades fault like we’re stupid. This is blood on the British government’s hands. Grenfell was their fault and their fault alone.”

Stormzy wasn’t the only person to criticise Rees-Mogg’s comments. Jeremy Corbyn said: “What possesses someone to react to an entirely avoidable tragedy like Grenfell by saying the victims lacked common sense? People were terrified, many died trying to escape.” Activist group Grenfell United – made up of bereaved families and Grenfell survivors – also tweeted: “The Leader of the House of Commons suggesting that the 72 people who lost their lives at Grenfell lacked common sense is beyond disrespectful. It is extremely painful and insulting to bereaved families.”

Last week, the inquiry into the tragedy was published, with initial conclusions criticising firefighters’ ‘stay put’ policy and lack of preparation, as well as the building’s cladding. Following the findings, which found “systemic failings” in London’s fire brigade (LFB), survivors called for the LFB commissioner to resign, while firefighters themselves accused the report of focusing on the shortcomings of junior officers, instead of scrutinising those in power.