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Question
Questions covered urgency for national league support, distribution formula based on lost gate receipts, fan attendance inconsistencies, Premier League governance confidence, discussions with other sports, and support for the events industry and grassroots sport.
Minister reply
The minister confirmed that the criteria will focus on those most impacted by gate receipt losses. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with major spectator sports about their revenue exposure. The government is working constructively with Premier League and EFL to address financial responsibilities, aiming to support clubs with poor governance through fan-led reviews. Grassroots sport continues despite elite sport restrictions.
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Question
The MP highlighted the importance of sport and questioned the government's lack of a coherent plan. She asked for targeted support rather than wasteful initiatives, urged for clarification on why some clubs can have fans while others cannot, requested an announcement regarding the fan-led review of football, and emphasised the need for financial stability.
Minister reply
The minister assured that they are working towards a safe reopening based on medical advice, reiterated their commitment to broad principles guiding support, clarified guidance on non-elite sports allowing fans with restrictions, confirmed the intent to pursue the fan-led review as soon as possible.
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Question
The MP welcomed funds for the national league but called for a short, medium and long-term plan including rapid testing, tax reliefs, and business interruption insurance guarantees. He also emphasised the need for the fan-led review to focus on the economics of football.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the importance of addressing both governance and finance issues in sport and expressed willingness to engage with Julian Knight's Committee further.
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Question
The MP highlighted the crucial role of amateur and semi-professional sports clubs in local communities, especially in Scotland. He asked about steps to ensure support for such clubs and their ability to weather the pandemic storm.
Minister reply
The minister confirmed ongoing work with devolved Administrations and mentioned a meeting scheduled with his counterpart from the Scottish Government later that week.
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Question
The MP inquired about assurances regarding efforts to ensure iconic events like Henley regatta will take place next year.
Minister reply
The minister assured efforts to get such sports going as soon as it is safe, recognising the importance of these events for local constituencies and their economic impact.
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Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
The MP inquired about discussions with broadcasting companies regarding extended coverage during the period when fans are unable to attend matches.
Minister reply
The minister confirmed ongoing conversations with broadcasters for extending sports coverage on TV.
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Question
The MP congratulated Charles Walker and Lincoln Callaghan for their efforts in raising funds for Didcot Town football club through running and cycling.
Minister reply
The minister applauded the efforts of both individuals, highlighting the role of sport in communities and encouraging others to support community clubs.
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Question
Inquires about the fan-led review of football promised at the election, especially concerning Rugby League clubs' financial difficulties.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of gate money for sports clubs and assures that the needs of Rugby League clubs will be considered in the upcoming review.
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Question
Asks about support available to Redcar racecourse, a significant contributor to Redcar and Cleveland's economy.
Minister reply
Confirms ongoing discussions with the British Horseracing Authority regarding suggestions made by them.
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Question
Requests commitment to supporting small community sports clubs in addition to larger commercial ones.
Minister reply
Commits to covering as many small local sports clubs as possible and encourages those at higher ends of the spectrum to support themselves.
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Question
Suggests temporary lifting of restrictions on unused terraces for league two clubs like Grimsby Town.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the practical nature of the suggestion and confirms ongoing conversations with relevant authorities about reopening plans.
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Question
Asks about Government’s plan to enable fans’ return to sporting events, highlighting Slough FC's importance in community cohesion.
Minister reply
Confirms the intention to open as soon as it is safe and mentions initiatives like STIG for safer sports resumption.
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Question
Inquires about plans ensuring continued sporting activities despite ongoing risks of covid-19.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the role of governing bodies in safely conducting sport at both elite and non-elite levels.
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Question
Suggests expanding community ownership models to raise finance for struggling sports clubs, including football players donating one week’s wages.
Minister reply
Encourages voluntary donations and innovative business models while discussing ongoing discussions with relevant ministries.
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Question
Asks about the Government's commitment to working towards safe return of live audiences for elite sport.
Minister reply
Commits to working with stakeholders to move as fast as possible on reopening sports safely.
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Question
Inquires about designated funding for smaller clubs and youth teams, highlighting the importance of grassroots football.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the reliance of top leagues on lower ones and expects the Premier League to play its part in supporting struggling clubs.
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Question
Requests assurance that women’s football will receive necessary support if restrictions increase.
Minister reply
Commits to ensuring women's sport gets the priority and fair share it deserves, especially in terms of public funding.
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Question
Horse racing is not a wealthy sport and relies on paying spectators for almost half of its income. With recent redundancies, the sector needs help from the Treasury. Will the Minister support horse racing with renewed vigour as it faces serious challenges?
Minister reply
The Minister assures that he understands the concerns raised about horse racing and confirms ongoing discussions with the British Horseracing Authority to provide necessary support.
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Question
UK ice hockey professional season has been cancelled, and indoor restrictions threaten local clubs. What is the Minister doing to save ice hockey, a popular sport with significant economic impact?
Minister reply
The DCMS team engages in dialogue with various sports governing bodies and acknowledges the challenges posed by indoor restrictions on ice hockey.
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Question
Wealdstone FC, promoted to the national league, spent over £100k improving facilities but has no income due to gate closures. Will the Minister ensure that clubs with ground improvements receive financial support?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the club's situation and confirms that such factors are being considered as details for a support package are finalised.
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Question
Celtic Park in the constituency contributes significantly to the local economy. Will the Minister consider the economic impact of sports clubs when discussing financial support with the Treasury?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that sports have a broader economic impact and acknowledges the importance of supporting local economies through such initiatives.
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Question
St Ives leisure centre remains closed despite efforts to reopen. Will the Minister meet to discuss keeping vital leisure centres open for community wellbeing?
Minister reply
The Minister welcomes the opportunity to meet and discusses the importance of leisure centres for mental and physical health, promising to facilitate their reopening.
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Question
Barrow AFC has returned to the football league but faces financial pressure due to spectator restrictions. Can the Minister reassure constituents that no local club will cease operations due to coronavirus?
Minister reply
The Minister supports clubs affected by the 1 October cancellation, focusing on those impacted most severely and acknowledging broader financial issues affecting many other clubs.
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Question
Does the Minister share disappointment in Mayor of London's lack of leadership for reopening sports facilities? What efforts are being made to ensure children’s sport is accessible as we recover from coronavirus?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees on the importance of school and community sports, emphasising commitments to get these activities up and running post-pandemic.
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Question
Non-league clubs face a difficult financial future without urgent support. Is it time for TV rights income levies on premier league clubs to support long-term investment in sport across communities?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the need for reform and confirms ongoing consideration of financial issues as part of the grassroots review of sports governance.
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Question
Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy is facing funding difficulties due to high rateable values. Will the Minister look at this case with priority?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges anomalies in discretionary funds distribution and agrees to follow up on the specific issue raised.
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Question
Boxing clubs in Liverpool provide vital support to constituents but need funding due to cancelled seasons. When will funding be provided for this sector?
Minister reply
The Minister met the all-party parliamentary group on boxing and confirms ongoing discussions on the importance of boxing for social mobility and wellbeing.
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Question
Forestry England’s public consultation on recreational access to land. Is continued access fundamental for motor sports in Britain's £10 billion industry?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees on the importance of creative approaches to recreational facilities and encourages stakeholders to maximise accessibility.
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Question
With no clear path from the Government for spectators to return to sporting events safely, the financial pressure on football clubs is huge. Detailed plans were in place, with local safety advisory groups and Sports Grounds Safety Authority working together to bring reduced numbers of fans back safely, but now Brentford’s new stadium sits empty. How much and how quickly are the Government working with experts on safe spectator return?
Minister reply
The Minister joins in thanking the SAGs and SGSA for their work before and during coronavirus. They will continue to play a vital role in ensuring safety; he confirms ongoing collaboration.
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Question
Barrow AFC, promoted into the football league after 48 years, is facing a loss of £750,000 this year. How will support for these clubs consider both short-term and long-term financial needs, as well as their community work?
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that support will include immediate financial help but also reviews of governance to ensure sustainability.
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Question
Partick Thistle has helped provide over 25,000 free meals to the poor and vulnerable in the community. Does the Minister recognise that support for sports does not just help sport but also inclusion and community help?
Minister reply
The Minister applauds clubs’ charitable efforts and acknowledges their long-term role in communities.
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Question
Clubs across his constituency need help due to loss of income from ticket sales, bar income, and facility rental. What additional support can the Minister provide?
Minister reply
The Minister encourages clubs to take full advantage of existing measures such as furloughing scheme, loans, and VAT reduction aspects for hospitality and leisure offerings.
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Question
Why has the Welsh Rugby Union decided that junior, youth, and mini teams will not be training at all? Is this decision sensible?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with allowing sport if it can be done safely but leaves guidance to individual governing bodies.
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Question
Can the Minister ensure that when looking at increasing fan numbers and loosening hospitality rules, a one-size-fits-all formula is not used?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees to work with Sports Grounds Safety Authority and football authorities to increase ticket sales revenue while encouraging other revenue sources.
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Question
How can the Minister assure that local sports teams will continue to operate, ensuring mental and physical health of players and fans during covid?
Minister reply
The Minister recognises sport’s importance for mental and physical wellbeing and confirms plans to provide additional financial support.
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Question
How much financial support will Warwick racecourse and clubs like Leamington FC receive, and when?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the successful safety measures but notes that rising infections prevent immediate moves forward; details are being worked on.
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Question
What additional support will be taken for rugby league through winter, following the scrapping of pilot crowds?
Minister reply
The Minister confirms ongoing conversations regarding financial pressures and supports the vital role rugby plays in communities.
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Question
The MP highlighted the plight of lower league football teams such as Grimsby Town, asking what steps are being taken to allow the safe return of dedicated sports fans back into stadiums.
Minister reply
Minister Huddleston responded that they have paused reopening plans but not abandoned them. He emphasised the importance of consulting medical advice and safety authorities before resuming stadium operations.
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Question
Cooper urged for more support to rugby league clubs like Cas Tigers in her constituency, expressing concern about the existential threat faced by these clubs due to covid.
Minister reply
Minister Huddleston acknowledged the importance of rugby league clubs but noted that challenges persist. He committed to continued discussions with governing bodies and was willing to speak separately with Cooper.
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Question
Russell questioned why Watford FC, despite its efforts to comply with guidance for reopening stadiums safely, now cannot proceed.
Minister reply
Minister Huddleston assured that Watford’s work will not be wasted. He emphasised the importance of getting back to business as soon as possible.
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Question
Keeley requested a targeted funding package for rugby clubs such as Sale Sharks in her constituency, expressing concern about the existential threat posed by covid.
Minister reply
Minister Huddleston agreed on the importance of these clubs to their local communities and acknowledged the need for support beyond just sports.
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Question
Fuller asked the Minister to liaise with the Prime Minister regarding support for voluntary coaching in youth sports.
Minister reply
Minister Huddleston applauded coaches’ efforts and committed to working with Fuller to communicate this to the Prime Minister.
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Question
McGinn urged for a timely strategy and plan to get fans back into stadiums and help communities thrive again.
Minister reply
Minister Huddleston agreed with the importance of grassroots sports in St Helens but could not provide more details at this stage, promising an announcement soon.
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Question
Davison asked what steps are being taken to encourage the Premier League to support lower league clubs during challenging times.
Minister reply
Minister Huddleston confirmed that the Premier League is aware of its responsibilities and expected to play a pivotal role in supporting lower league clubs.
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Question
Tugendhat asked for support to allow fans back into grounds like Tonbridge Angels’ stadium where social distancing measures can be effectively implemented.
Minister reply
Minister Huddleston agreed and emphasised the ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to ensure clubs such as Tonbridge Angels are supported.
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Question
Monaghan inquired about support for gymnastics clubs like Drumchapel, highlighting their importance in developing good habits among young people.
Minister reply
Minister Huddleston encouraged sports clubs to utilize the Government’s support package and noted ongoing discussions with governing bodies.
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Question
Timpson called for a national push to engage women in sport, supporting the development of a women's football centre of excellence in Winsford.
Minister reply
Minister Huddleston reiterated his commitment to women’s sport and expressed willingness to support initiatives like the Winsford facility.
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Question
Like many other Members across the House, I have been doing what I can to support and listen to the concerns of my local sports teams. Today is National Sporting Heritage Day, and a campaign has launched to honour pioneering rugby league players from Cardiff who broke down racial discrimination. Will the Minister back this campaign? Will he agree to meet those supporting it?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his comments and engagement. I will be happy to talk further about how I can get involved in such initiatives that ensure sport is open to all, both through direct non-financial and financial support.
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Question
Is the Minister saying that there will be no Government support for Football League clubs facing financial difficulties, leaving it solely to the Premier League? The chairmen of many clubs in the Football League are making difficult decisions due to distress.
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his commitment and knowledge in this field. While I cannot comment on the specifics of the plan currently being developed, I can say that we expect the Premier League to work closely with the EFL and take their responsibilities seriously. We are also encouraging all sports bodies to utilise Government support measures.