I am incredibly proud of the England Football Team for getting as
far as they did – a first final in 55 years is a fantastic achievement
and it was great to see the country and local community come
together to support our young diverse football team that
represents the very best of our country.

Football spirit in our communities has been fantastic in Feltham
and Heston and this spirit was embodied in a really special way at
Towfield Court in Hanworth! I was so proud that the efforts of
residents were recognised nationally and in the media. And it was
great to meet Jade and Bruno and neighbours as they got ready for
the match!

What has followed is the racism that Rashford, Saka and Sancho
have experienced, and it has been truly abhorrent. This England
team represents the best of modern Britain – everything we
know this country can be. The Government’s inexplicable inaction
over tackling racism online and the Prime Minister and the Home
Secretary not backing England players for making a stand against
racial inequality – has fuelled this issue further.
England reaching the final has been an inspiration to young
and old alike and it highlights the massive importance of
grassroots football in our communities.

This is a young team with huge talent and I am looking forward to
supporting them in the World Cup in Qatar next year.

Read my speech on grassroots football in Feltham and Heston
here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2021-05-
12/debates/1DA454DA-9A2B-4D47-BDC0-B841CA9CA7DE/details