LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB AND THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TITLE

Early day motion 281, tabled 7 June 2005 by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 74 members.

That this House congratulates Liverpool FC on their Champions League title victory; applauds the club's players and those of AC Milan for providing a high-quality and dramatic showdown to Europe's most prestigious club competition; regrets that UEFA rules deny the right for Champions League title holders to defend their title automatically; notes that most football competitions guarantee champions this right and fans the spectacle of a title defence bid; further notes that the UEFA President recently backed this principle; recognises that Liverpool FC's entry into the competition must not affect Everton FC's qualification by virtue of that team's consistently strong performances in the Premier League last season; and urges UEFA to do everything in its power to give Liverpool and future winners of the Champions League the opportunity to mount a title defence.

Signatures by party: Conservative 36, Labour 25, Liberal Democrat 9, Plaid Cymru 2, DUP 1, Scottish National Party 1.