AN MP has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons in support of London Welsh’s bid for promotion to the Aviva Premiership, should they win the Championship.

Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West, took action in response to the decision by theRFU that the club had failed to meet the Miniumum Standards Criteria (MSC).

His motion read: “That this House condemns the decision of the Rugby Football Union to reject the possibility of London Welsh RFC gaining promotion to and playing in the Premiership in 2012-13; notes the huge contribution London Welsh has made to both league and international rugby throughout its history; further notes the determination of the Board of London Welsh to continue to develop both the performance and commercial sides of the club; and urges the Rugby Football Union to reconsider its decision.”

His motion met with good support and some interesting responses.

Denis MacShane, MP for Rotherham, said: “I wish my hon. friend all the best, but frankly the men in blazers and those bright pink and orange corduroy trousers who control the RFU will not give any consideration to the passion of London Welsh, its players and its supporters.

“We experienced that in Rotherham when we got into the Premier League and were then booted out. We had a wonderful ground and people could get right down to the touchline to watch the rugby. It is much better than sitting up in a big stadium.

“But those gentlemen of a particular class are the worst administrators of any of our major games. I wish my hon. friend well, but he ain’t going to get going until they change their corduroy trousers.”

Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby, said: “As MP for Rugby and someone with great enthusiasm for the game of rugby, may I tell the hon. gentleman that true rugby fans across the country will have enormous sympathy with the case he is making. The teams that do well deserve the right to be promoted.”

David Mowat, MP for Warrington South, added: “I endorse the comments that we have just heard about the quality of administration in the RFU. If he or his club would like to come to the rugby league to see an example of fine administration, they should do that.”

Welsh, who enjoy a healthy first leg lead, play the second leg of their Championsip play-off final against Cornish Pirates at Old Deer Park tomorrow night.