Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has asked rapper Stormzy to end his new partnership with McDonald’s. Corbyn’s call comes amid concerns over the fast food giant’s links with its Israeli franchisee. This franchise has been accused of supporting the war in Gaza by giving free meals to Israeli military personnel.
The Call to Action
In an open letter from the Peace and Justice Project, a group Corbyn set up in 2021, Stormzy is urged to reconsider his McDonald’s deal. The letter says that by working with McDonald’s, Stormzy is helping the company “culture-wash” its reputation as a caterer for those involved in the conflict in Gaza. The letter also points to the Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) committee’s call for a global boycott of McDonald’s until it cuts ties with its Israeli partners.
Ethical Concerns
The letter stresses that this issue is about more than a business deal. It is about human rights. The Peace and Justice Project believes that Stormzy should stand with the Palestinian people during this difficult time. They argue that global pressure and international rules, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, require companies to act responsibly.
A Matter of Principle
The letter concludes by asking Stormzy to think about his influence as a Brit Award-winning artist. It suggests that ending his deal with McDonald’s would send a strong message in support of the Palestinian cause.
You may also like: Over 100k sign petition calls for the UK to rejoin the EU “as soon as possible”
