James Cleverly take an opportunity to name-check Halstead Town Football Club in a debate in the House of Commons.
James Cleverly (Braintree) (Con)
I have to confess that I am here under slightly false pretences. I came to take part in a debate about a fantastic football club that wears black and white stripy jerseys and black shorts, only to discover that it was Newcastle United, not my own Halstead Town football club. The passion that the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah) displayed for her local team is matched by the passion I display for mine, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to take part, briefly, in this debate.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)
I am not sure it is in order for the hon. Gentleman just to mention a team because they play in black and white like Epping Town.
Mims Davies
I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Braintree (James Cleverly) for reminding me of the importance of the grassroots. We had an important debate earlier in the week about facilities and what the grassroots mean to football up and down the land. We need to make sure we protect our stadiums and our future stars.