Cliff 's attack on religion police

Sir Cliff Richard has lashed out at the politically-correct brigade who go to great lengths to avoid offending other religions.

'In the political climate, this whole political correctness thing bugs me like mad,' he said.

The 65-year-old singer, who was born in India, declared: 'I was so upset when they said they were going to call the lights in London Winter Lights.'

Referring to the Hindu festival of Diwali, he said: 'I'm saying, "Hello, I've got friends who are Asian. I wish them Happy Diwali, they wish me Happy Christmas". In fact they enjoy Christmas. I'm not so sure why they're so upset about the sensitivity of other religions who actually don't mind that we celebrate Christmas.'

Sir Cliff was being interviewed by Sky News to promote a video which tells the story of Christmas and is aimed at primary schools. 'As far as I'm concerned, if Jesus was Prime Minister, we'd have absolutely no problems whatsoever, he said. 'If he was also Treasurer, we'd also have no trouble with money. But we're not realistically ever going to find people like that.'

Asked about his friendship with Tony Blair, Sir Cliff said: 'I like him as a person, I have to say. I've found him very easy to be with. I've never ever talked politics with him. We've talked about spiritual things. He likes talking about rock and roll and what I'm doing.'

On the controversy over the use of his villa in Barbados, he said: 'I'm sorry. I never charge any of my friends when they come. I would never dream of charging rent for my friends.

'All I know actually is that they actually donate money to charity instead of paying me rent. But I don't see why they should have to do that either.'