EU flags being waved during Rule Britannia at BBC proms
Lee Anderson said people who criticise Rule Britannia "should probably look for somewhere else to live" in a fresh row over the patriotic anthem.
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, the cellist who played at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, said he did not think the patriotic anthem should be included at the Last Night of the Proms.
But outspoken former Tory deputy chairman Mr Anderson told the Express: "The vast majority of the British public are not fortunate enough to have their own cello player but I'm fairly sure if they did then Rule Britannia would be on the playlist.
"These people who continually criticise our history, heritage and culture should probably look for somewhere else to live."
The traditional anthem, which is accompanied by flag-waving at the finale of the classical music concert, is controversial due to its perceived historical links with colonialism and slavery.
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Other senior Conservative MPs also insisted the song should not be ditched from the BBC Proms.
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said: "Rule Britannia is a stirring tune and celebrates the history of our great nation. People ought to listen to it or even hum along to it with pride."
Sir Michael Fabricant added that it is "part of our nation’s tradition".
He said: “The Proms would not be Proms without Rule Britannia."
Mr Kanneh-Mason, who played at last year's Last Night of the Proms, said the anthem makes many people feel "uncomfortable".
He told BBC Radio 4: "I don't think it should be included and I didn't stay for that. That's just my opinion.
"I think, maybe, some people don't realise how uncomfortable a song like that can make a lot of people feel, even if it makes them feel good.
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"I think that's somehow a big misunderstanding about it."
The BBC sparked a backlash in 2020 when it announced it would play Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory without the lyrics at the Last Night of the Proms.
But the broadcaster was forced to U-turn on the decision following a public outcry.
Related articles 'Desperate' Remainers blasted after hijacking Proms with sea of EU flags BBC blasted as Proms 'hijacked' by 'seething mass of remainers' with EU flags Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason opposes 'Rule Britannia!' at Proms finale
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