MP calls on Government Minister to visit local boxing club
20th July 2009
Mike Penning takes the opportunity of Amir Khan's crowning as WBA light-welterweight world champion to invite a Government Minister to visit a local boxing club just starting up in Hemel Hempstead.
Mike Penning (Hemel Hempstead) (Con): This weekend a great Olympian became the world boxing champion. Amir Khan is a great role model for young people in this country, yet small boxing clubs where people like him will come from in future are struggling. I wonder whether the Minister or the sports Minister, the Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the hon. Member for Bradford, South (Mr. Sutcliffe) would like to visit a new boxing club in my constituency and see not only the great young people coming forward, but the financial problems that they face.
Tessa Jowell: I am sure that the House will want to congratulate Amir Khan. The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right about his dedication to providing leadership to young men—and, indeed, young women—right across the country as they take up boxing. As my hon. Friend the sports Minister has pointed out, investment is going into boxing clubs because of Amir Khan’s advocacy and the evident benefits to young people.
