Former Smiths frontman Morrissey has hit out at the Bank of England over the animal fat content in the new £5 note.

The Meat Is Murder singer suggested anyone who did not take issue with the revelation that traces of the derivative, known as tallow, are used in the production process should donate their own bodies for “decorative use in future five-pound notes”.

Concerns have been raised about the implications for vegetarians, vegans and members of religious groups using the notes, which were introduced into circulation in September.

Morrissey (Ben Birchall/PA)
Morrissey (Ben Birchall/PA)

The outspoken singer and animals-rights activist posted a statement on his True To You fan site.

He said: “If it had been revealed by the Bank of England that the new British five-pound note contained slices of cat or dog, the country would be in an uproar.

“But because we have been trained to accept the vicious slaughter of cows, sheep and pigs, the UK media can only make light of the use of tallow in the new British fiver because animal slaughter is thought to be outside of the human grasp and concern.”

Fans still clamour for Morrissey at festivals.
Morrissey (Owen Sweeney/AP/PA)

He added: “However, whether you care about animals or not, the use of their sliced bodies in the new five-pound note evokes a mood and a vibration that displays a gaping hole in human intelligence and in the human race as a compassionate idea.

“It also tells us that the Bank of England has no understanding of doing anything in our time that revives the human image from basic savagery.

“If you feel that the use of animal flesh should not be a moral issue, then you should assert your conviction by donating your own body to the Bank Of England for decorative use in future five-pound notes.”

Morrissey has been known to ban fast food outlets from cooking meat during festivals at which he is performing, having stormed off stage at Coachella in 2009. He said at the time: “I can smell burning flesh … and I hope to God it’s human.”