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Some parliamentarians criticized the timing of the event, in light of the escalating Middle East crisis in the wake of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The event was reportedly held on Thursday to promote the benefits of dance on the nation’s health and well-being.
Anger erupted after more than 40 British MPs were filmed dancing in Parliament during an event with Strictly Come Dancing stars. The video of the session received widespread attention on social media.
According to British media, the event was held on Thursday to promote the benefits of dancing to the nation’s health and well-being.
The video shows MPs walking and twirling under the glass atrium at Portcullis House, after choreography by Kai Widdrington.
Participants included Green Party MP Hannah Spencer, Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston, Conservative MP Caroline Nokes and Labor MP Kim Leadbeater, who trained alongside former Strictly contestant Kingston, professional dancers Flavia Cacace and Neil Jones, and former judge Dame Arlene Phillips.
Some parliamentarians criticized the timing of the event, in light of the escalating Middle East crisis in the wake of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. In a post on the
The sight of MPs dancing delicately in Parliament as the world teeters on the brink of World War III is completely inappropriate. It says everything you need to know about Westminster. pic.twitter.com/grx3hxTqTh
– Zara Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) March 4, 2026
Reform UK’s Nadim Zahawi, a former Conservative minister, described the event as “a very bad look for Parliament at a time when the Middle East is trying to free itself from a terrorist regime bent on obtaining nuclear weapons that could endanger the UK.”
Social media users also expressed their anger, criticizing MPs for dancing while global crises unfold. Many claimed that the event demonstrated a startling detachment from the seriousness of world affairs.
“We have a global emergency… and yet some of our representatives are dancing in the halls,” one user wrote. Another commented: “The state of the country reflects the extremely low standard of many of our elected representatives. Every one of these idiots is unfit for public office.”
Others highlighted broader concerns about the ruling, with one posting: “Not to mention Chinese spies, no navy, WW3, ceding our lands (and taxes), the arrival of invaders today, election rigging, child protection, rape rings. The elected and taxpayer funded political elite are astounded that this is a good thing today. Blatant lack of foresight.”
Another social media user commented: “This gives me a lot of confidence in the British government.”
United Kingdom (United Kingdom)
Mar 04, 2026 at 11:06 PM EST
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