Morrissey calls on Paul McCartney to give up his knighthood

Rocker Morrissey has called on Sir Paul McCartney to give up his knighthood to prove his dedication to animal rights issues.

The former The Smiths frontman insists he was "amused" to hear rumours suggesting the Beatles legend was "angry" that bosses at Los Angeles' Staples Center had agreed to go meat-free for Morrissey's upcoming concert after previously denying McCartney the same request.

Morrissey has now called on McCartney to step up his fight for animal rights by distancing himself from Britain's royal family and giving up the title he was awarded in 1997.

He tells The Hollywood Reporter, "I was amused to hear that Sir Paul McCartload (sic) was very angry that Staples had said yes to me but no to him, when really, he should be happy for any victory on behalf of the animals.

"I know he works tirelessly for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), but he also loves the British royals, whose treatment of animals is abysmal.

"The Queen herself wears enough fur to blanket most of Russia... yet Sir Paul gives her the thumbs up! If he cared passionately about animals, he'd return his knighthood. He doesn't need the Queen's approval."