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Question
The MP detailed his experience at the match and criticised shambolic management and hostile policing. He asked if the Government would represent to UEFA for a full independent inquiry, call on French authorities to retract smears against fans, and engage with counterparts to ensure UK citizens are treated respectfully in future.
Minister reply
The minister thanked the MP for his testimony and confirmed that he will raise these issues with UEFA and the French Sports Minister. He expressed confidence in a thorough and transparent investigation by independent bodies.
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Question
The MP thanked Ian Byrne for raising this urgent question, criticised the chaos at the final, questioned UEFA’s delay in apology and credibility of its review chair. She asked about French authorities’ handling of the event and raised concerns over Hillsborough justice.
Minister reply
The minister reiterated the importance of a thorough investigation into logistical challenges faced by Liverpool fans. He expressed concern about unexplained attacks on young and elderly fans, and media footage deletion requests. The DCMS will closely monitor developments.
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Question
It is only because of the calmness and forbearance of Liverpool fans at the Stade de France that nobody was killed. Does the Minister understand that the immediate resorting by UEFA and French authorities to old, baseless Hillsborough slurs—“Liverpool fans were late! They were ticketless!”—in conjunction with the disgustingly hostile policing has exacerbated trauma and brought back terrible memories for many of my constituents? Does he agree that official recognition by UEFA and the French Government of the truth is essential to prevent this trauma from getting worse? Will he use his good offices to insist that Liverpool fans’ representatives have a role in official inquiries?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady speaks eloquently about the human impact of incidents like this, which brings back terrible memories for many people. UEFA and French authorities understand that Liverpool fans must be treated with respect and their voices heard. I encourage Liverpool FC to facilitate information submission by fans, which will be passed on to UEFA's investigation.
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Question
We need an apology from UEFA and French authorities for the chillingly familiar, knee-jerk lies blaming Liverpool fans. What can the Minister do to ensure that investigations get to the truth based on emails and comments from constituents about their experiences in Paris?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Member for sharing harrowing experiences of some fans. The French authorities and UEFA are committed to conducting a thorough investigation. I agree with the hon. Member and will make it clear that we expect to get the full story so that such incidents do not happen again.
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Question
For too long, football authorities have treated fans as if they are the enemy. If fans were involved in crowd control and early intervention discussions with police from this country, we might create a safer environment. The way the police reacted to the crowd added to the problem. What can be done?
Minister reply
I largely agree that football authorities should work closely with fans. Many entities try to bring fans on board, and clubs engage carefully and closely with them. We need to learn lessons from incidents like those at Wembley last year. The French authorities and UEFA have a responsibility to take the lead in conducting an investigation.
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Question
I commend my hon. Friend for securing this urgent question and for the impeccable behaviour of Liverpool fans. My constituent Liam Griffiths was struck by a brick as the police lost control of the situation. Have the British Government asked for clarity and evidence from French counterparts on claims of ticketless fans? Will they demand an apology?
Minister reply
I encourage everybody who had such experiences to feed their information into Liverpool FC so that it will be fed through to the investigation. Conversations are ongoing, both through officials and at ministerial level across multiple Departments.
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Question
I extend my thanks to my hon. Friend for securing this important urgent question. I have received personal testimonies from constituents like Olivia whose father is a Hillsborough survivor. Will the Minister agree to recall the French ambassador and demand an independent inquiry and a full apology?
Minister reply
As the hon. Lady has articulated, the specific evidence does not tally with some of the comments made following or during the match. The overwhelming evidence is of fans behaving incredibly well. I do not want to pre-empt conclusions but what I have seen raises many questions.
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Question
The events in Paris were utterly appalling, emblematic of the complete and utter disdain with which football fans are treated. Has UEFA shown any remorse?
Minister reply
UEFA has apologised and launched an investigation per calls from this House. Fans should be at the centre of football and treated with respect. They make football exist, and it is important to remember that.
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Question
The hon. Member for St Helens South and Whiston raises concerns about the barbaric treatment of Liverpool fans in Paris, suggesting that British football fans should be better protected abroad by pre-coordinating with foreign authorities before upcoming games.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the importance of coordination with UEFA and policing authorities but emphasises the need to learn from incidents like those in Paris and Wembley. He reassures that thorough investigations will take place.
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Question
The right hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington expresses concern about the lack of a full, independent inquiry and asks if support can be given to fans’ groups for representation during any investigation.
Minister reply
The Minister shares the right hon. Gentleman’s concerns and confirms that Liverpool FC has received data and video footage from UEFA. He commits to raising concerns with authorities if information is missed.
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Question
My hon. Friend raises concerns about the robustness of the investigation and calls for a Hillsborough law, highlighting the impact on families who were criminalised despite being unable to enter the game.
Minister reply
UEFA has announced comprehensive terms of reference for its review, which will be closely monitored by the UK government. The Minister pledges to communicate points raised in Parliament with French authorities.
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Question
The hon. Member for Coventry South commends Liverpool fans for their calm behaviour and demands a full apology from the French Government along with an independent inquiry, highlighting tear-gassing of fans.
Minister reply
While acknowledging the importance of UEFA’s investigation, the Minister expresses concern about the chaotic organisation in Paris and overzealous policing. He commits to passing on messages to French counterparts.
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Question
The hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough describes violent incidents experienced by Liverpool fans, including pepper-spraying of journalists and robberies. He questions the French Interior Minister’s claims about ticketless fans.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges harrowing evidence provided by MPs in Parliament and commits to communicating their messages to French counterparts. He emphasises the importance of investigating incidents not only around the stadium but also elsewhere in Paris.
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Question
The hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough expresses doubts about the impartiality of the UEFA investigation, calling for it to be thorough with fan representation.
Minister reply
The Minister commits to passing on messages from MPs regarding disappointment in initial tones from French authorities. He reiterates that all incidents will be taken seriously.
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Question
The hon. Member for Glasgow Central highlights the fear of Liverpool fans in Paris, particularly those with disabilities who struggled to enter the stadium, and asks about conversations on fan safety.
Minister reply
Multiple conversations are ongoing at official and ministerial levels between the Home Office, Sports Minister of France, UEFA, FA, and Premier League. The Minister pledges to get to the bottom of truth and learn lessons from this incident.