Opposition cries foul over rugby reception

Published on Saturday 6 December 2003 00:00

DOWNING Street’s ambition to host an exclusive reception for England’s Rugby World Cup heroes was kicked into touch last night.

Tony Blair’s aides were forced to concede a penalty to the Tories and Liberal Democrats after they had tried to bar them from meeting the winners of the Webb Ellis Trophy.

The Prime Minister’s opponents had claimed his tactics would have earned him a place in the Westminster "sin bin" because sport crosses the political divide.

And last night aides signalled Mr Blair was prepared to allow a draw and admit representatives from the main opposition parties to meet Jonny Wilkinson and Martin Johnston at No 10.

The tussle to get access to the event had been as closely fought between the parties as England’s World Cup tie with Australia, which also went into extra time.

Downing Street only relented at 5pm yesterday after being tackled hard all day by Julie Kirkbride, the Tories’ fleet-footed fly-half.

She complained that it simply was not cricket to deny members of her party and the Lib Dems a chance to celebrate England’s biggest sporting achievement since 1966.

Ms Kirkbride said: "This is a national event that should be celebrated by everyone, not turned into a party political stunt by New Labour."

Don Foster, the Lib Dems’ culture spokesman, added: "Downing Street is politicising its reception for the England rugby team. The reception should be a cross-party event, with elected representatives of the people of Britain."

David Hill, the No 10 director of communications, later relented and said: "While it is the case that opposition politicians do not receive invitations to government receptions, the government is determined on this occasion to ensure that party politics does not intrude into a very special day."