MPs sing David Bowie’s Space Oddity to celebrate Tim Peake’s successful ISS launch

Business Minister Anna Soubry was interrupted by Labour ministers singing Space Oddity after referring to herself as “ground control” to Major Tim Peake.

The House of Commons was in a playful mood yesterday following Major Tim Peake’s successful launch to the International Space Station.

Business minister Anna Soubry was interrupted by Labour MPs singing the David Bowie classic Space Oddity after she referred to herself as “ground control” to the astronaut’s “Major Tim.”

“Mr Speaker, I think it’s most unfortunate… honourable members opposite are now singing.”

Speaker John Bercow intervened: “Sing, but no member of this House can match David Bowie. Highly relevant as far as ground control is concerned."

The original lyrics are “ground control to Major Tom”.

Business, Innovation and Skills secretary, Sajid Javid, also showed off his pop-culture knowledge yesterday, making references to Star Wars and Toy Story when announcing the Government’s new space policy.