Maiden speech for new MP

Adam Hewitt • Published 15 Jun 2010 22:00 1 Comment

MUSIC, Marmite and Microsoft inspired newbie MP Alok Sharma's maiden speech in the House of Commons.

The Reading West MP began his address on Monday night by praising his predecessors Sir Anthony Durant and Martin Salter - whose supposed 'love him or hate him' personality provoked the 'Marmite' reference.

Mr Sharma admitted: "Despite our many political rows and differences during the four years that I was a candidate and he was the Member of Parliament, I grew to rather like Martin, but then I must also confess to liking Marmite."

He stuck to traditional themes for his maiden speech, sketching a little of the history of the constituency and the wider town, from the Domesday Book and King Henry, through beer, biscuits and bulbs, to IT conglomerates and the Madejski Stadium.

He spoke of the villages and urban estates that make up his constituency and of the world-famous rock festival, adding: "Honourable Members with a liking for contemporary music should know that a few tickets are still available."

He referenced Kate Winslet and Ricky Gervais, with the customary joke: "One of us has now gone on to great things - and the other has become an MP."

He was speaking during a debate on emerging economies, including India, where his family hails from. He said he has advised European companies on doing business in India and spoke of his recent research trip there talking to businessmen, civil servants and opinion formers.

He said India and China could soon be "first among economic equals" rather than emerging economies.

There were warm words from his father, Dr Prem Sharma, who was appointed OBE in the Queen's Birthday honours at the weekend.

He told the Chronicle: "I was over the moon when Alok was elected. He has been working so hard since 2006 and has been out in the community. He has a good grasp of the important issues in the town. He knows Reading West well and won't be one to sit on the sidelines."

To watch the speech, visit:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/house_of_commons/newsid_8733000/8733506.stm

It begins soon after the 1hr mark.

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  BGarvie
  Unregistered User
  Jun 21, 15:05
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  An excellent speech. The electorate now know Reading West is in a hard working and safe pair of hands.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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