Rugby World Cup 2015

Debate between Iain Stewart and Tania Mathias

Friday 11th September 2015 Commons Chamber

[Dr Tania Mathias (Twickenham) (Con)]

After today’s incredible debate, I can truthfully say, “Now for something completely different.” In ancient Greece it was traditional for the actors in a heavy tragedy to return to the arena to perform a comic piece, because that is what the audience needed. My speech is not a comedy, but it will be a joyous piece; it is about rugby.

Soon the world will turn oval-shaped. In just 44 days maybe 3 million rugby fans will visit 11 cities, and maybe £2.2 billion will be contributed to our economy, but definitely some world-class rugby will be played in our country. My constituency will host 10 of the matches, including the first and last, because Twickenham is the alpha and the omega—we are the home—of rugby.

I am pleased that there is already a legacy of sorts, because many of the people who were fortunate enough to get a ticket online also donated. The rugby world cup has partnered the UN World Food Programme and already 1 million World Food Programme meals have been funded, so the legacy has already started with the ticketing process.

VisitEngland is preparing for the sports tourists, and I am told that they tend to spend more money than other tourists.

[Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con)]

Milton Keynes is one of the host venues for the rugby world cup, so I just want to add my congratulations to VisitBritain, VisitEngland, Destination Milton Keynes and all the other tourist organisations that are doing so much to market not only the world cup but the other tourist attractions in the home areas.

[Dr Mathias]

I absolutely concur with my hon. Friend. I have been to Milton Keynes on occasion. If it is anything like Twickenham, it will be looking even better as a result of the rugby celebration. All the host cities have already got the bug, which is brilliant.

We have a legacy in Twickenham that I do not believe my hon. Friend has in Milton Keynes, because we have had a Herculean transport project. I commend England Rugby 2015 for what they have been doing. Some residents have already said that their access permits have made the situation even better than it is on an average match day. I know that for every single match the project will be managing the traffic and making things as easy as possible for residents.

Of course, the best, most positive legacy will be if England wins the world cup.