Labour MP urges the nation to recognise the cultural impact of drag performers and comedians.

Labour MP Chris Bryant has called for the UK to celebrate drag queens like Lily Savage, the beloved alter ego of the late Paul O’Grady. Speaking in the House of Commons, Bryant paid tribute to O’Grady, who passed away at 67, and reflected on the significant influence of Savage’s bold, comedic performances.

Bryant shared a memorable story of Lily Savage’s quick-witted response to a police raid during a performance at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, highlighting the defiance and humour drag artists bring to their craft. He urged the country to honour the “naughty, hilarious” nature of drag queens and comics, emphasising their role in inspiring a more open-hearted and generous society. “Isn’t it time we in this country celebrated our naughty, hilarious drag queens and comics of every kind who inspire us to be a better and more generous nation?” he said.