Nick rocks MPs with his answers
Dec 13 2007 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
NICK Brown has promised the build up to the 2012 London Olympics will be a Stairway to Heaven for the North-East.
For the Newcastle East and Wallsend MP has entered the record book by becoming the first parliamentarian to quote the rock band Led Zeppelin in the House of Commons.
Earlier this week the Minister for the North-East Nick Brown took to the dispatch box to answer an adjournment debate question on the benefits of the Olympics to the region.
And instead of closing with a simple “goodnight” the MP revealed a little-known musical appreciation in a telling quote after he had promised to ensure Olympic planners do not overlook the North.
In an apparent reference to the potential medal haul for team Great Britain, Mr Brown said: “Let me conclude this useful, important and, in one way, pathfinding debate with a quote from the pop group Led Zeppelin: ‘Many dreams come true and some have silver linings I live for my dream and a pocketful of gold.’”
During the debate the MP admitted he was not the first choice to answer the questions. In a speech littered with musical references, Mr Brown told MPs: “The Minister for the Olympics had hoped to attend the debate, but she is metaphorically ‘Over the hills and far away’ no doubt ‘Out on the tiles.’”
Mr Brown promised to take any regional concerns to the Olympic co-ordinating committee.
Mr Brown last night told The Journal that while he had a “whole lotta love” for Led Zeppelin, he was more likely to go the opera than the recent reunion gig. “I grew up listening to Led Zeppelin songs and although I would not say I’m a huge fan it was good to see them back together.”
Mr Brown also became the first regional minister to answer questions under the new portfolios created by the prime minister.
He was responding to concerns raised by Middlesbrough MP Ashok Kumar, who said there was a feeling that “despite the public money being spent, the benefits of the Olympics will be limited to London.”
Mr Kumar said he wished to challenge that notion.
