Future Of Rugby League

EDM number 1005 in 1994-95, proposed by Ian McCartney on 20/04/1995.

That this House, concerned for the future of Rugby League, opposes the speed with which a decision was reached by club chairmen who had failed to consult the followers of their clubs; is appalled at the implications for international matches, as well as the Rugby League Challenge Cup, whose very existence is put at risk under the proposals; is alarmed at the exclusivity of the deal with Sky Television which keeps out all terrestrial channels; is appalled at the possibility of the disappearance of clubs which are part of the fabric of both the Rugby League and their local communities; is outraged at a deal which prevents clubs and players from taking part in competitions with other clubs and players who are not under direct contract to Rupert Murdoch; believes that this constitutes a serious constraint of trade, and calls upon the appropriate select committees to examine the situation and the appropriate ministries to press for renegotiation with proper consultation.

This motion has been signed by a total of 42 MPs, 1 of these signatures have been withdrawn.