Football: Women’s World Cup

Lord Addington Excerpts

Wednesday 8th July 2015 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Addington]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to celebrate the success of the England women’s football team’s World Cup campaign.

[The Earl of Courtown (Con)]

My Lords, the Government share the nation’s pride in the Lionesses’ recent success, which represents the most successful World Cup result by an England side since 1966. The Minister for Sport attended England’s semi-final in Canada and we are now considering how the Government can best mark the success of the England women’s football team.

[Lord Addington (LD)]

I thank the noble Earl for that reply. Will he pass some comment on the tweet from the FA when it considered that the returning team could,

“go back to being mothers, partners and daughters”?

Does not this rather patronising attitude belong in 1966? Could the noble Earl—who is my friend—comment on how much damage that did to any potential celebrations?

[The Earl of Courtown]

Yes, I agree with the noble Lord. I will not comment on the ill-judged tweet but with record attendance and viewing figures, this latest Women’s World Cup can leave us in no doubt as to the growing significance of the women’s game. It is vital that we hold the players in the same esteem as that afforded to the men’s side.