James Blunt arts 'envy' claim denied by MP Chris Bryant

A Labour MP has defended his call to support artists from poorer backgrounds after singer James Blunt accused him of teaching "the politics of envy".

Shadow Arts Minister Chris Bryant was attacked by the Harrow-educated star for "envy-based, vote-hunting ideas".

The Rhondda MP had said culture should not be "dominated" by people from privileged backgrounds, like actor Eddie Redmayne, James Blunt "and their ilk".

Blunt claimed his background had worked against him, saying many people considered him "too posh" for the music industry.

The Rhondda MP told BBC News on Tuesday that he did not want to "pull anyone down" for their success, but wanted to remove the barriers that stopped poorer people making the most of their talent.