FUTURE OF MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

Early day motion 1693, tabled 11 October 2004 by Lord Grayling (Conservative). Signed by 49 members.

That this house notes the interest of American businessman, Malcolm Glazer, in taking over Manchester United Football Club; notes that while Manchester United is open to takeover as is any listed company, it is much more than a business and that it is an important part of the community in the North West and to the millions of people who support the club; notes the immense success nationally and internationally that the club has enjoyed under the managership of Sit Alex Ferguson; expresses its concern about any takeover proposal which would leave what is a debt-free club heavily indebted for the future; further notes the strength of feeling among supporters' groups, but calls on supporters to exercise restraint in those protests against Mr Glazer's proposals and to ensure that their actions are within the law; and calls upon Mr Glazer not to launch a bid unless he can clearly demonstrate that he will strengthen rather than weaken the club.

Signatures by party: Labour 24, Conservative 13, Liberal Democrat 8, DUP 1, Independent 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, UUP 1.