An MP has called Starbucks’ new Christmas red cups “political correctness gone mad” and called for the person who dreamt up the design to be sacked.
Sir David Amess, Conservative MP for Southend West, expressed his despair at the coffee chain’s decision to remove all references to Christmas – even secular images such as snowmen and snowflakes – from their annual red cups this year.
The company said they were “embracing the simplicity and the quietness of [the festive season].”
“It’s [a] more open way to usher in the holiday,” they claimed.
However, Sir David hit back, telling Breitbart London: “I do think this is an example of political correctness gone mad.”
“What is Christmas about?” he added. “It’s CHRIST-Mass.”
“This is utter madness. Who was the idiot who thought this up? He should be sacked!”
The chain was criticised yesterday as politicians and Christian groups rounded on its un-Christmassy red cups.
David Burrowes, another Tory MP, said the move “smells more of political correctness than a consumer-led change.”
“The public has a common sense grasp on the reality that at Christmas time, whether you have a Christian faith or not, Britain celebrates Christmas,” he added.
Simon Calvert of the Christian Institute also laid into the coffee barons, saying: What is it about Christmas that Starbucks are afraid of celebrating? Haven’t they heard it’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the season of good will to ALL men? They should get involved and stop being scrooges.”
Meanwhile, Andrea Williams of Christian Concern told Breitbart London: “This is a denial of historical reality and the great Christian heritage behind American dream that has so benefitted Starbucks.
“This also denies the hope of Jesus Christ and his story told so powerfully at this time of year.”
The “red cup” is an annual tradition where Starbucks changes the colour of its disposable cups in the run up to Christmas. The design changes each year, but has traditionally featured festive imagery.