Stormzy attacks Theresa May over Grenfell in Brits performance

Credit: PA

Stormzy used his Brit Awards performance to launch an attack on Theresa May and her Government over the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The London-born grime artist performed Blinded By Your Grace Pt 2 while being showered by water, making the Prime Minister the target of his ire in the opening lines.

“Yo Theresa May, where’s the money for Grenfell?" Stormzy rapped.

"What, you thought we just forgot about Grenfell? You criminals, and you’ve got the cheek to call us savages, you should do some jail time, you should pay some damages, you should burn your house down and see if you can manage this."

The Grenfell Tower fire in Kensington caused the death of 71 residents last year.

Labour MP David Lammy praised Stormzy for "speaking the truth" during his rap.

Stormzy and Dua Lipa won two Brit Awards each. Credit: PA

Stormzy and singer Dua Lipa led the charge at the Brit Awards as the pair won two prizes each on a night where artists showed their support for the Time's Up campaign.

Grime artist Stormzy took the British male solo artist and British album categories while Lipa came away with the British female solo artist gong and the breakthrough act prize.

Other winners on the night were Rag'N'Bone Man, Lorde, Foo Fighters and Kendrick Lamar.

It came as the Brits followed the Grammys by showing support for Time's Up, with artists wearing white rose pins or carrying white roses.

Nominees and guests at the ceremony in London showed support for the movement launched in the wake of the entertainment industry's sexual assault scandal.

And winner Dua Lipa was one of the first to arrive at the awards carrying a white rose.

The 22-year-old scooped best British female solo artist and gave thanks on stage to women: “Every single female that’s been on this stage before me that has given girls like me, not just in the music industry, but in society something to look up to."

Paloma Faith has said she is disappointed at the number of men not carrying a rose. Credit: PA

Once a slightly ramshackle and unpredictable event, the Brits has become a slick showcase for UK and international talent.

Most winners are chosen by a ballot of music-industry members, with several selected by public vote.

Performers at the show, hosted by dapper comedian Jack Whitehall, included Justin Timberlake, Rita Ora and Foo Fighters who were announced as the winner of the international group award - the fourth time they have won the prize.

Ed Sheeran accepting the award for Global Success. Credit: PA

Gary Barlow introduced Liam Gallagher to the stage for a tribute performance for the victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack that took place last year.

Gallagher, who filled in at the Brits when Grande was unable to attend due to illness, sung Oasis track Live Forever.

Gorillaz won best group and in a politically-charged acceptance speech, Damon Albarn said: "I've got one thing to say, and it's about this country, this country is -believe it or not - quite a small, little thing, right, but it's a lovely placeand it's part of a beautiful world.

"But what I want to say is, don't let it become isolated, don't let yourselves become cut off...

"Considering our size we do incredible things in music, we've got a real spirit and a real soul and don't let politics get in the way of all that ****, alright?"

Towards the end of the ceremony Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie Wood appeared on stage to present Ed Sheeran with the global success award.

Wood said: "A few years ago, Ed performed with us in the States and he was really great, we saw in him a prolific songwriter, a lovely young guy.

"He really is one of the top talents we have, and I tell you what, it's made him so famous and so loveable, he's kept his feet on the ground, he's won our hearts and sold millions of records."

The Brit Awards winners list in full:

  • British male solo artist - Stormzy

  • British female solo artist: - DuaLipa

  • British group - Gorillaz

  • British breakthrough act - Dua Lipa

  • Brits global success award - Ed Sheeran

  • British single - Rag'N'BoneMan

  • MasterCard British album of the year - Stormzy

  • International male solo artist - Kendrick Lamar

  • International female solo artist - Lorde

  • International group - FooFighters

  • Critics Choice - Jorja Smith

  • British artist video - Harry Styles