A group of MPs has faced backlash after participating in a dance class while the crisis in the Middle East escalates, reports BritPanorama.
More than 40 MPs took part in the “cha-cha-cha” class with Strictly Come Dancing stars Angela Rippon and Alex Kingston in Portcullis House, Westminster.
The event, intended to promote the benefits of dance for national health and well-being, has drawn criticism for its timing amid international tensions. Many have described the MPs’ participation as “inappropriate.”
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson labelled the dancers “morons,” stating, “I walked into Portcullis House this morning and thought I’d walked straight into Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ video.” He added, “Whilst the world is on the brink of World War Three, these dancing MPs have made it quite clear that the lunatics have taken over the asylum.”
Former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi expressed similar sentiments on social media, stating, “A very bad look for Parliament when the Middle East is trying to free itself from a terrorist regime hell-bent on acquiring nuclear weapons that could put the United Kingdom at risk.”
This morning’s dance class follows news that MPs will receive a 5% pay rise, bringing their salary to £98,655 a year from April. The TaxPayers’ Alliance shared the dance video alongside the announcement, questioning the appropriateness of the increase with the caption: “Worth it?”
Former Labour MP Zarah Sultana remarked on social media, “The optics of MPs doing Strictly Come Dancing in Parliament while the world teeters on the brink of World War Three is completely inappropriate. It says all you need to know about Westminster.”
Alexander Stafford, a former parliamentary private secretary, added, “We’ve had fiddling while Rome burns; now we get dancing while British bases are being attacked. You couldn’t make this up.”
Further disapproval came from Anthony Higginbotham, who stated, “Whoever thought this was a good idea, and every MP in attendance, needs a serious check with themselves. Parliament should be a place of serious work, with serious people.”
Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry expressed frustration, questioning how MPs could indulge in dance while “innocent civilians are dead and thousands of British citizens are trapped” due to ongoing conflicts.
In a counter to the criticism, Labour MP Jonathan Brash responded, “Under Reform we are to be miserable at all times, call each other names as often as possible and reject joy as a point of principle.” Despite the backlash, some social media users defended the event, arguing that there is “nothing wrong with having a dance.”
New Green Party MP Hannah Spencer, along with shadow culture secretary Nigel Huddleston and Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, was seen practicing their moves during the event. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle welcomed the dance stars and demonstrated a signature move from the show.
Angela Rippon, 81, who initiated the movement following her time on Strictly in 2023, emphasised the health benefits of dance, stating that it can combat conditions such as obesity and the mental health crisis. She noted, “If we can get more older people to improve their core strength, balance, coordination, and leg strength, they will have fewer falls. Again, we can save money on the NHS.”
Her campaign received support from Wes Streeting, who acknowledged its positive impact on health and well-being, urging politicians to assist dance teachers and promote social prescribing over costly prescriptions.
The dance lesson at Parliament was designed to highlight dance as an effective form of exercise, though its timing amid current geopolitical tensions has overshadowed its intended message.
As debates surrounding parliamentary conduct intensify, this incident raises significant questions about the balance between public engagement and seriousness in governance.
