Morrissey has criticised Barack Obama over his annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon.

In an open letter posted on fan site True To You titled "Thankskilling," the singer attacks America's animal rights record, claiming that 45 million turkeys are "horrifically abused" at Thanksgiving and that the annual holiday "supports torture." The "First Of The Gang To Die" singer wrote, "Please ignore the abysmal example set by President Obama who, in the name of Thanksgiving, supports torture as 45 million birds are horrifically abused; dragged through electrified stun baths, and then have their throats slit. And President Obama laughs. Haha, so funny! Further, the meat industry is responsible for 51 per cent of human-caused greenhouse-gas emission, therefore the embarrassingly stupid White House 'turkey pardon' is open support for a viciously cruel and environmentally irresponsible industry."

The 'Turkey pardon' relates to a traditional ceremony in which Obama is presented with a live domestic turkey which is then granted "presidential pardon," sparing the bird from being slaughtered.

Morrissey and Jake Bugg are just some of the artists confirmed to play the Nobel Peace Prize Concert this year. The event, which has taken place annually on December 11 in Oslo, Norway, since 1994, is a musical tribute to honor the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The musicians will be joined by the likes of James Blunt and Mary J Blige.