MPs Get Behind Empire

Almost 20 MPs from the three main political parties have signed up to support the Hackney Empire this week.

Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott has tabled a desperate motion in the House of Commons calling on the Government to step in to save the theatre from an uncertain future. 17 MPs from the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat Parties have signed the motion.  

The motion reads:

“That this House is deeply saddened by the news that the legendary Hackney Empire is due to close in January for an uncertain temporary period; is concerned that the theatre will lose valuable supporters during the temporary period and may not be able to reopen; notes the famous faces that have graced the theatre's stage, including Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel, Marie Lloyd, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Ben Elton and Ralph Fiennes; recognises the value of the theatre's 108 years of history; further recognises the value of the variety of shows the theatre delivers, helping to engage hard-to-reach audiences; believes that the loss of the theatre would be damaging to Hackney and the surrounding areas; and calls on the Government to step in to save the treasured Hackney Empire.”

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