mps

The Groove of the MPs: A History of Music in Parliament

Forget the boring debates and political jargon, Parliament has a rich and unexpected musical history! From impromptu jam sessions to full-blown bands, MPs have been rocking the house for centuries.

The Roots of the Rhythm:

• Early Days: Parliament was a place for poetry, not pop, with ballads and sonnets being the norm. But even then, some MPs found creative ways to express themselves. In the 17th century, Sir John Denham wrote a song mocking the political opponents of Charles I. Talk about a diss track!
• The 19th Century: With the rise of opera and classical music, parliamentarians started incorporating music into their social events. Benjamin Disraeli, a famous Prime Minister, was known to host grand musical evenings at his home.
• The 20th Century: The emergence of jazz and rock music brought a more rebellious vibe to Parliament. Winston Churchill, known for his love of cigars, also had a fondness for jazz. He even hosted a famous jam session with American jazz musicians during World War II.

Modern Music Mavericks:

• The “Parliamentary Rock Band”: In 2009, a group of MPs formed a band called “The Parliamentarians” and released a charity single. Unfortunately, their musical talents were as questionable as their political ambitions.
• The “MPs in the House” Band: A more recent band featuring MPs from all parties aimed to unite the House through music. Their repertoire included a song titled “We’re All in This Together,” which probably didn’t make it onto the Brexit playlist.
• Musical Memes: The modern era also saw some funny musical moments. In 2019, Boris Johnson was filmed dancing to the song “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” at a campaign event. It was a viral hit, proving that even a Prime Minister can’t resist a good groove.

Funny Facts:

• The “Singing Prime Minister”: Harold Wilson, a former Prime Minister, was known for his love of singing, often performing at Labour Party events. He was also a surprisingly good guitarist.
• The “Musical Protest”: In 1981, a group of MPs staged a protest against the government’s policies by performing a rendition of “We Are the World.” It was a unique form of political activism, albeit slightly awkward.
• The “MP with the Golden Voice”: Tony Benn, a former Labour MP, was known for his booming voice and his ability to sing a mean rendition of “The Red Flag.”

The Groove Continues:

Music has always been an integral part of Parliament, from the serious to the silly. Whether it’s a political protest song, a charity single, or just a moment of lighthearted fun, music provides a unique avenue for expression and connection. So next time you’re watching a parliamentary debate, remember that behind those serious faces, there may be a secret rock star just waiting to break free.