Lizzi Collinge MP, centre, with Strictly Come Dancing pro Kai Widdrington and TV legend Angela Rippon
The Morecambe MP has been dancing with Strictly stars in Westminster - and has responded to criticism of the timing of the event given the crisis in the Middle East.
Lizzi Collinge and other MPs joined Strictly Come Dancing professionals and contestants including Angela Rippon and Alex Kingston in a group dance to encourage health and wellbeing.
Ms Collinge, the Labour MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, and colleagues were supporting a major UK-wide campaign to encourage people of all ages and abilities to experience the transformative health benefits of dancing ahead of the National Day of Dance this Sunday, March 8.
A cross-party group of more than 40 MPs including from Labour, the Green Party and the Conservatives, showed their dance moves on Wednesday under the direction of choreographer and Strictly pro Kai Widdrington.
Legendary presenter and news reader Angela Rippon highlighted how dance can be a vital lifeline for those living with Parkinson’s, as the rhythm and structured movement help improve balance, coordination, and confidence.
“When I heard that Angela Rippon was running a campaign about dancing for health, I was really interested to learn more," said Ms Collinge.
“Lack of physical activity causes lots of health problems and moving around more can help with both physical and mental health conditions.
“Morecambe and Lunesdale has high levels of dementia and type 2 diabetes, both of which can be prevented by moving around more.
“Dancing is a really accessible way to exercise - you don't need any special equipment and anyone can take part, whether that's a 90 year old dancing with their walker to strengthen their muscles and prevent falls, or a young person with learning disabilities gaining confidence through dance.
“The dance event in Westminster, hosted by Angela Rippon and with Strictly celebrities giving their time too, was a fun way to raise awareness of how good dance is for health and to encourage my constituents to take part in the Let's Dance campaign, even if that's just a kitchen disco with the family.
Below, Angela Rippon, with Kai Widdrington, speaking at the event
“I also made three brilliant professional contacts to bring expertise and action to Morecambe and Lunesdale, supporting the brilliant local dance groups we already have.
“Let’s Dance also shows how dance can bring communities together through enjoying themselves together, something which I think is more important than ever.”
Since its launch in 2023, the campaign has united approximately 50,000 dance teachers across the UK, promoting dance not just as an art form, but as an effective tool for managing long-term health conditions and improving mental health.
But there were critics of the timing of MPs dancing in Parliament, given the current crisis in the Middle East.
David Morris, former Tory MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale who Ms Collinge defeated in the 2024 general election, posted on his Facebook page: "With all the things going on in the world and a large number of constituents in Morecambe and Lunesdale needing assistance, your MP is front and central in Parliament dancing as the world goes to hell in a handcart. Unbelievable."
Former Labour MP, Zarah Sultana from Your Party, said on X: “The optics of MPs doing Strictly Come Dancing in Parliament while the world teeters on the brink of World War Three is completely inappropriate."
Reform UK's Nadhim Zahawi, a former Conservative minister, tweeted: “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.”
We asked if Ms Collinge wanted to respond, and she directed us to a video posted by Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, on her X page.
The Morecambe and Lunesdale MP said this addresses the criticism.
You can see the video below. This also shows a clip of Ms Collinge taking part in the dancing.
Let’s Dance? Yes please…. Why I’m proud to promote this brilliant campaign from Angela Rippon @sportrectweets & the stars of @bbcstrictly Yes - there is alot going on in the world, but to protect our NHS & save lives we have to focus on prevention, & physical activity is key💃🏼 pic.twitter.com/nL1SqlO7dQ
— Kim Leadbeater MBE MP (@kimleadbeater) March 6, 2026
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