50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MUNICH AIR CRASH

That this House notes with sadness that 6th February is the 50th anniversary of the death of the great Manchester United footballers, Roger Byrne, Geoff Bent, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Billy Whelan, Eddie Colman, Tommy Taylor and Duncan Edwards in Munich returning from the quarter final European Cup match against Red Star Belgrade; pays respect to the memory of the club officials, journalists and others who also died that day, including former Manchester City and England goalkeeper, Frank Swift; remembers the stunned sadness with which the whole of the City of Manchester was engulfed by the tragedy which impacted on every family and everyone there regardless of club allegiance or none; recalls that the Busby Babes were the first English club side under the guidance of Matt Busby to enter the premier European club competition blazing a trail followed by many since; acknowledges that this side is widely recognised as one of the finest football teams to play in England and in Europe; is aware that United's reputation and achievements on the field of play since that time are amongst the most fitting tributes to that Munich side; offers continuing condolences to those directly affected by the crash; and is aware that Wednesday will be a day held in respect by football supporters of all backgrounds throughout the world.