Bizarre moment Jacob Rees-Mogg tries his hand at the John Barnes ‘World in Motion’ rap in the House of Commons as he joins ‘rejoicing’ at England’s semi-final victory (but throws in a quote from Roman poet Virgil)
- Football fever reached the House of Commons after England’s semi-final victory
- Jacob Rees-Mogg tried his hand at the John Barnes rap from New Order anthem
- Old Etonian Commons leader also threw in a reference to Roman poet Virgil
Jacob Rees-Mogg tried his hand at the John Barnes rap from World In Motion today as he joined ‘rejoicing’ at England’s semi-final victory.
The House of Commons leader treated fellow MPs to his interpretation of the New Order classic from Italia 90 as football fever swept the nation.
There was laughter in the chamber as Mr Rees-Mogg drawled his way through the lyrics – including assuring Speaker Lindsay Hoyle that ‘we ain’t no hooligans’.
However, the Old Etonian did then balance his pop culture references by quoting Restoration literary critic John Dryden and Roman poet Virgil.
Jacob Rees-Mogg tried his hand at the John Barnes rap from World In Motion today as he joined ‘rejoicing’ at England’s semi-final victory’
The House of Commons leader treated fellow MPs to his interpretation of the New Order classic from Italia 90 (video pictured)
Football fever reached the Commons chamber after England’s semi-final victory last night
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle (right) seemed to be tickled by Mr Rees-Mogg’s efforts today
Mr Rees-Mogg said: ‘Everyone, I think, is rejoicing at the football success and I think the line to take is from Mr Barnes.
‘You’ve got to hold and give but do it at the right time.
‘You can be slow or fast but you must get to the line.
‘Can I reassure you, Mr Speaker, that we ain’t no hooligans, this ain’t a football song.
‘Three Lions on my chest, I know we can’t go wrong.
‘Or as another John put it, John Dryden, for they can conquer who believe they can.’
‘I think for the record that Dryden was translating Virgil in those comments.’
He added: ‘It is indeed the excellent leadership of Mr Southgate which led to such a good triumph yesterday against Denmark, and let’s hope for the same on Sunday.’
Shadow Commons leader Thangam Debbonaire swiped that Boris Johnson should spend some time ‘studying at the Gareth Southgate school of leadership’.
Ms Debbonaire added: ‘In contrast to the Prime Minister, Gareth Southgate and the England team value hard work, discipline, and preparation.
‘The British people seem to appreciate those qualities, so for the sake of our country and the wonderful people who live and work here, I hope the Prime Minister can spend some time over the next few days studying at the Gareth Southgate school of leadership.’
Other MPs made attempts to reference Football’s Coming Home – the David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and Lightning Seeds classic which has become ubiquitous during England’s bid for glory.
Earlier, Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner – when questioning Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove – said: ‘Indeed football is coming home, but I also think the chickens are coming home to roost for this Government.’
There was laughter in the chamber as Mr Rees-Mogg drawled his way through the lyrics – including assuring Speaker Lindsay Hoyle that ‘we ain’t no hooligans’