British MPs rock the House

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Politicians are usually reviled in rock songs. But four British members of parliament from opposing parties have come together in a band and are now launching their first album, "Cross Party".

Proceeds from sales will go the charity Help for Heroes, which raises funds to care for wounded British soldiers.

The band, named MP4, was formed in 2004 and has played a series of live gigs over the years. Influences range from the Beatles to Oasis, members say.

Bass player Ian Cawsey and guitarist Kevin Brennan are from the ruling Labour Party, drummer Greg Knight is from the opposition Conservative Party. On keyboards, Pete Wishart is from the Scottish National Party.

Cawsey was once a professional musician, performing on the cabaret circuit and at working men's clubs. MP4 co-founder Wishart was a member of the Scottish folk-rock band Runrig, who have an international following.

"I was a musician. He was an international rock god with hundreds of groupies," Cawsey told Reuters.

Labour and the Conservatives are at loggerheads ahead of a legislative election expected on May 6.

"We will be the only band ever to split up because of political differences - if not encouraged to do so first by the British public," Cawsey said.

- AP