ENGLAND CRICKET TOUR TO ZIMBABWE 2004

Early day motion 316, tabled 17 December 2003 by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative). Signed by 61 members.

That this House expresses serious concerns at the intended tour of Zimbabwe by the England cricket team in 2004; reminds the England and Wales Cricket Board of the furore created when the International Cricket Council was insistent that England play matches in Zimbabwe during the 2003 Cricket World Cup; urges the Board cancel the Zimbabwe tour, given that Rober Mugabe's regime has continued its rule through violence, intimidation, rape, murder, politicisation of food aid and through clamping down even further on the media; reminds honourable Members that Mr Mugabe has taken Zimbabwe out of the Commonwealth; notes that Mr Mugabe shows no signs of wishing to adhere to the Commonwealth's Harare Declaration on human rights and good governance; further notes that the safety of English players and fans cannot be guaranteed whilst in Zimbabwe; and recommends the Board cancels this tour early so as to avoid the unpleasant wrangling that so much overshadowed the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

Signatures by party: Conservative 49, Labour 7, Labour/Co-operative 2, DUP 1, Independent Conservative 1, UUP 1.