A Southend politician has called for people to be sacked over the design of a high street coffee cup.

Sir David Amess, who represents Southend West, waded into an attack on Starbucks by some Christian groups after the Seattle coffee chain introduced minimalist red cups for Christmas.

Previously the chain had used designs with non-religious imagery such as snowmen, stars, and tree decorations, but said the new cups embraced “the simplicity and the quietness” of the festive season.

However, speaking to news site Breitbart London, Sir David said: “I do think this is an example of political correctness gone mad.

“What is Christmas about? It’s CHRIST-Mass.

“This is utter madness. Who was the idiot who thought this up? He should be sacked!”

However David Elcock of Leigh Road Baptist Church, who is involved with the Christmas Starts with Christ campaign, said he was not concerned by the design.

He said: “I like Starbucks because they do Fairtrade coffee and, while Christmas does start with Christ, it’s just a coffee cup to sell coffee in.

“They’re not even trying to say anything, there’s no writing on it, and I understand they go red every year.”