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Elton John: Labour are ‘absolute losers’

Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

From Runcorn to Durham, Labour is losing their core vote everywhere. Now, even the luvvies are turning on them. It was less than a year ago that Elton John headlined a celebrity rally, held in the final week of the general election campaign. ‘Let’s get behind Labour to win on July 4!’ the singer declared. But, nine months on, it seems that the Tiny Dancer star has now changed his tune…

Appearing on the BBC’s flagship politics show this morning, John launched a savage attack at ministers over its plans to regulate AI. Describing the government as ‘absolute losers’, he said he felt ‘incredibly betrayed’ over plans to exempt technology firms from copyright laws. He told Laura Kuenssberg that if Peter Kyle, the Science Secretary, goes ahead with plans to allow AI firms to use artists’ content without paying then he would be enabling ‘theft, thievery on a high scale.’

It comes after ministers this week rejected an amendment to the Data Bill to force companies to notify copyright holders if their work is used to train generative AI models. Sir Elton warned that the government is on course to ‘rob young people of their legacy and their income’, telling Kuenssberg that the Prime Minister needed to ‘wise up’, with Kyle singled out as ‘a bit of a moron’.

Talk about giving them a rocket, man…

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Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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