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MPs quote Tina Turner songs in House of Commons tributes to singer

Pa
Friday, May 26, 2023

MPs paid their own unique tributes to Tina Turner, with some quoting their favourite songs of hers as they asked questions in the House of Commons.

Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt paid tribute to Turner, describing her as “an icon” as she opened business questions, the weekly parliamentary session where MPs make the case for debates on topics of their choice.

Turner, one of rock’s most famous voices – with hits including Proud Mary and The Best – died at the age of 83 at her home in Switzerland on Wednesday after a long illness.

Shadow Commons leader Thangam Debbonaire continued with the tributes to the singer, with the Labour frontbencher referencing several pop hits.

In a question to Ms Mordaunt, she said: “Could we all join the Leader of the House in paying tribute to the queen of rock and roll, Tina Turner?

“An icon, a heroine to the domestic violence movement, a role model to all of us women doing our best work in later life.

“Perhaps the Leader, perhaps she could draw inspiration from Tina today and search river deep, mountain high – there will be more – for all the Government’s missing legislation? Where is it?”

As she continued her questions she claimed that “Labour wants our schools to be simply the best”.Labour MP Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) meanwhile referenced Turner’s 1984 song ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’ as he questioned Housing Secretary Michael Gove’s decision to establish an independent review into the Teesworks freeport in the north east of England.

“People may ask, what’s Gove got to do with it?” Mr Smith said, before calling for a Commons statement on why Mr Gove had decided the National Audit Office would not lead the review.

David Mundell, the Conservative MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, said: “I also had the privilege of seeing Tina Turner play at the Edinburgh Playhouse as part of the Private Dancer tour.“Above all else, she was an incredible live performer and I think that is important to recognise.”