Old people shouldn't vote, says pop star Jamelia

The Birmingham singer suggested the elderly should not have been able to take part in the Brexit vote - as well as a potential second referendum - as they will not be around long enough to live with the consequences.

Her comments, made on the Jeremy Vine show, sparked a backlash from some who accused her of being 'ageist'.

The Superstar singer said she believed it was 'unfair' for older people to have a say when they will soon be dead.

She said: "I think it's important not to get offended by what's being said.

"It has nothing to do with... I think you're capable of making a vote, I think you're of sound mind.

"I just think it's unfair you have a vote when you won't experience the consequences of that vote."

Speaking to a pensioner called Pat on the show, she added: "And you've had 50-60 years of voting."

But the pensioner hit back: "Because older people years ago made the decision to do this, or do that, means I haven't suffered from it or benefited from it.

"So why can I not with my conscience vote for what I believe in?"

Tweeting out the clip, host Jeremy Vine said: "A pensioner is told by Jamelia why there should be a cut-off age for voting - it would stop people above 75 voting because they will not live through the consequences of their decisions."

The issue caused a stir on social media. One user said: "How patronising and arrogant, not to mention ageist.

"If this was said about any other demographic there would be an outcry and rightly so.

"While I still have to pay tax even though I am retired after a full working life I am entitled to have my say."