BSKYB AND MANCHESTER UNITED

Early day motion 528, tabled 13 April 1999 by Roger Godsiff (Labour). Signed by 42 members.

That this House welcomes the decision by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to block the take-over of Manchester United by BSkyB; congratulates the supporters of the club and football fans throughout the country who campaigned against the take-over; expresses satisfaction that the values, traditions and achievements of Manchester United have not been further devalued by avaricious directors of the club allowing it to become a 'brand name' in a global media war; and calls upon the Government to re-examine the whole question of ownership of professional football clubs and their relationship with their supporters who have sustained them in good and bad times.

Signatures by party: Labour 35, Labour/Co-operative 4, Liberal Democrat 2, Conservative 1.