Oldest Brit winner David Bowie enters independence debate

Singer David Bowie has used the Brit awards to indicate that he hopes Scotland will reject independence.

Bowie, who had just become the oldest-ever winner of the Best British male solo artist award, ended his speech: "Scotland stay with us."

The veteran performer, who is aged 67, was not at the ceremony to have the award presented by Noel Gallagher.

His acceptance speech, broadcast on ITV, was read on his behalf by the model Kate Moss.

David Bowie's speech said: "In Japanese myth the rabbits on my old costume that Kate's wearing live on the moon.

"Kate comes from Venus and I from Mars, so that's nice.

"I'm completely delighted to have a Brit for being the best male but I am, aren't I Kate? (Gallagher: yes) I think it's a great way to end the day.

"Thank you very very much - and Scotland, stay with us."

English singer Billy Bragg - who has voiced support for a "Yes" vote in the 18 September independence referendum - welcomed the comments.

He said: "Bowie's intervention encourages people in England to discuss the issues of the independence referendum, and I think English people should be discussing it, so I welcome his intervention.

"Obviously we don't have a vote but we can have an opinion."