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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 6 June 2008

Arsenal Ladies celebrate their FA Cup

Tories avoiding political football?

MP ‘bemused’ as Conservatives fail to vote in Commons to honour Gunner Girls

MEMBERS of parliament from all political persuasions were happily celebrating the success of Arsenal Women’s Football team in the Commons this week – all except, bizarrely, the Tories.
A total of 23 MPs signed an early day motion put down by Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn congratulating the team for winning the Women’s FA cup for the ninth time.
The team, who had their best season ever last year, were awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Islington council.
Signing the motion were 15 Labour MPs, five Lib Dems, two Democratic Unionists and one Plaid Cymru.
Mr Corbyn was bemused by the absence of Conservative names and thought it might have been an oversight.
“I’m sure there must be some Arsenal supporters among the Tory crowd. Maybe they are not aware of my motion,” he said.
Conservative Central Office were also at a loss to explain why none of their members had signed. A spokesman said: “There are more than 600 MPs in the house and an awful lot of early day motions.
“I’d like to get back to you on this.”
Mr Corbyn’s motion reads: “That this House congratulates Arsenal Ladies FC on winning the Women’s FA Cup for the ninth time with superb skill and determination; and applauds their spirit and commitment, which is encouraging very young women to take up football.”
He added that he wanted to highlight the ongoing success that Arsenal Ladies Football Team has enjoyed, and the impact it is bound to be having on young women all around the country.
Mr Corbyn said: “This team just get better and better and their success as a UK women’s football team in the UK is remarkable, and should be congratulated by everyone.”
“Arsenal has always given a lot of support to the women’s team and it is continuing to produce the desired result.
“Both the team, and its supporters both inside and outside Arsenal must be congratulated on this, and no doubt Members of Parliament will sign the motion in support of such excellent sporting skills.
“Well done Arsenal.”

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