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Digital Markets Bill - After Clause 308 - Secondary ticketing facilities
21 May 2024
Lead MP
Kevin Hollinrake
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Business & TradeBenefits & Welfare
Other Contributors: 18
At a Glance
Kevin Hollinrake raised concerns about digital markets bill - after clause 308 - secondary ticketing facilities in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The amendment proposed by the Lords, which seeks to introduce additional regulatory requirements on resale sites, should be reconsidered as it may not be necessary or enforceable. Instead of adding more regulations that duplicate existing rules, we propose giving the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) more enforcement powers to tackle issues in the secondary ticketing market. The Government's amendments aim to give the CMA new powers to enforce existing rules against unfair buying-up of tickets using electronic bots and to ensure platforms present clear information to consumers.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
The existing regulations are sufficient, and the proposed amendment by the Lords would be ineffective due to enforcement challenges. The Government is committed to a review of primary and secondary markets over nine months to find better solutions.
Alun Cairns
Con
Cardiff North
Asked why the CMA has prosecuted so few people under current regulations, highlighting concern about enforcement effectiveness.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Argued that implementing the recommendations made by the CMA through the Lords amendment would significantly impact tackling issues associated with secondary ticket sites, reducing fraud and scams.
Angus MacNeil
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Questioned why the Government does not take action as championing consumer protection. Mentioned examples of consumer distress and asked if the Minister would change course after negative impacts on events.
Philip Davies
Con
Shipley
Agreed that the secondary ticket market has always existed but argued for reinforcing existing safeguards rather than making it unviable and pushing people into unregulated spaces where they get no protection.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Supports Labour's cross-party proposal to strengthen consumer rights against fraudulent ticket practices, restricting resale quantities and ensuring clear face value visibility. Criticises Government for ideological opposition instead of supporting Lords' amendments.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Questions whether a complete ban on resale similar to the Olympics is proposed, suggesting reservations about the practical implications of such measures.
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
Clarifies that Parliament did not ban resale for the Olympics but required authorized resale instead, aiming to correct a misinterpretation of previous legislation.
Philip Davies
Con
Bolton West
Questions whether consumers would be better protected by spivs selling tickets outside venues rather than on official secondary markets, suggesting potential for increased fraud and inefficiency.
Angus MacNeil
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Emphasises that the finite number of tickets being gobbled up by speculators online is a significant issue, advocating for more stringent measures to protect consumers from exploitation.
Richard Thomson
SNP
Dunbartonshire East
Critiques the Government amendment for its limited scope in enforcing existing rules on secondary ticket sales. Argues that amendment 104B provides clear measures to prevent fraudulent practices, ensure fair pricing, and introduce a review process within nine months.
Angus MacNeil
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Asks if the Government can provide more resources and capacity to the Competition and Markets Authority for enforcement of secondary ticketing regulations.
Barbara Keeley
Lab
Worsley and Eccles South
Supports the amendment, emphasising its importance in protecting fans from fraudulent practices. Argues that it ensures resellers provide proof of purchase and limits their ticket sales to what they can legally buy from the primary market.
Philip Davies
Con
Shipley
Suggests that better enforcement of existing regulations is sufficient and aligns with the Government's stance on the matter.
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
Ms. Hodgson supports the revised Lords amendment 104B, arguing that existing laws are inadequate for regulating secondary ticketing markets. She cites lack of prosecutions under relevant legislation since 2017 as evidence. She mentions a 'ticket queen' case and Viagogo's involvement in illegal football ticket sales to illustrate inadequacy. She also discusses the impact on fans, such as overpriced tickets and fake tickets leading to heartbreak for attendees.
Angus MacNeil
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Intervenes twice to support Ms. Hodgson, emphasising the missed opportunity 13 years ago and highlighting Lord Moynihan's background as a Thatcher-era sports Minister who now supports regulating secondary ticketing markets. He stresses the industrial scale of ticket abuse and the potential impact on families planning to buy tickets.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Mr Hollinrake argued that the proposed cap on ticket prices, as suggested by opposition members, would not significantly diminish misconduct according to the CMA report. He highlighted that existing legislation already sets out clear requirements for enforcement and emphasised that primary markets have substantial control over restricting secondary sales. Additionally, he noted that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has a budget of £122 million and can retain fines and penalties for its own enforcement activities. Mr Hollinrake acknowledged the importance of stricter enforcement but also insisted that more regulation is not necessary.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Mr Bryant's intervention questioned whether Mr Hollinrake would encourage people to buy Taylor Swift concert tickets only from authorised vendors, given that unauthorised secondary markets are considered invalid by the organisers.
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