Rochdale MP continues his fight to keep cricket free! (Rochdale Liberal Democrats)

Rochdale Liberal Democrats <info@rochdalelibdems.org.uk>

Rochdale MP continues his fight to keep cricket free!

September 13, 2005 12:11 AM

Rochdale's Lib Dem MP - Paul Rowen has pledged to continue his campaign to keep Test Cricket on Terrestrial TV, following England's thrilling Ashes victory. With the Ashes finally returning home after nearly two decades - Paul has continued his attack on the Government and Cricket Bosses - claiming that cricket must remain on Terrestrial TV. Paul has joined forces with Lib Dem Shadow Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport - Don Foster MP in encouraging MP's from all parties to back his Early Day Motion to keep Cricket clearly in the public spotlight.

Paul said, "Since I announced The Early Day Motion last week - I have been inundated with messages from cricket fans across the country, desperate that future Tests stay on Terrestrial TV. As a cricket fan - I am determined that we do something now, if we don't I'm afraid the momentum built up over a glorious summer will be lost."

Paul has also paid tribute to the coverage on Channel 4 saying, "Cricket has never been as popular, that is in no small part to the innovative coverage of the team at Channel 4. Their coverage has helped raise the profile of cricket immensely - I would like to pay tribute to the channel - who thoroughly deserve their record viewing figures. I can assure every cricket fan that we will continue to campaign in Parliament for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to review Test Cricket's listed status and ensure that live cricket remains on Terrestrial TV for the foreseeable future."

Lib Dem Leader - Charles Kennedy has voiced his delight over the Ashes Victory saying - "England's victory is historic, and I send hearty congratulations to the team. It has been impossible not to get caught up by the excitement and sense of good will in the past few days."

Meanwhile the campaign to "keep cricket free" gathers apace and nearly 5,500 people have already registered their support on a website set up - http://www.keepcricketfree.com. Paul Rowen said, "In Australia - the Government have protected their home tests and we should do the same. I am calling on the Sports Minister - Richard Caborn MP to address this now, the ECB need to renegotiate the contract and ensure that cricket remains free!"