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Events Research Programme
22 June 2021
Lead MP
Nigel Huddleston
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Democracy & ElectionsStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 41
At a Glance
Nigel Huddleston raised concerns about events research programme in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The minister announced that the events research programme has conducted 14 pilot events since April, providing data to inform safe removal of social distancing at step 4. The final report will be published before step 4, detailing key findings and operational approaches. Phase 3 involves gathering more data with trials including full capacity for events if participants can demonstrate their covid status. Wimbledon's finals are set as the first major outdoor sporting event to host spectators at full capacity since the pandemic began. Discussions continue with theatres and cultural venues about larger capacities in phase 3.
Jo Stevens
Lab
Cardiff East
Question
The hon. Member inquired about the delay in publishing ERP results, questioning if some organisations were favoured over others and demanded immediate publication of the report.
Minister reply
Acknowledging the involvement of many parties, the minister stated that the report is under a rigorous review process across departments and will be released soon as planned before step 4.
Question
The MP highlighted the financial losses incurred by event organisers due to delays in releasing vital data and asked for immediate publication of available information.
Minister reply
The minister agreed with the need for timely, accurate information to inform decisions. He reiterated plans to publish findings before the next phase as stated earlier.
Question
Asked why the Government is not offering insurance help despite calls from his party and colleagues.
Minister reply
The minister noted that while options are being assessed within public health context, discussions with devolved Administrations continue on providing support to the live events sector.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Question
Welcomed the programme’s work but called for prompt publication of findings to aid venues in planning reopening.
Minister reply
The minister affirmed plans to publish information shortly, providing guidance to assist events in their opening processes.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Question
My constituency is home to internationally-known theatre and music venues and exhibition centres. They tell me they are still waiting for promised Government funds, an insurance scheme that gives them certainty on reopening and, specifically, the publication of the events research programme report. One industry source told me today that failure to publish ‘is both creating confusion and eroding confidence across the events industry.’ What should I tell them, their customers and their staff?
Minister reply
As mentioned, we are considering indemnity issues. The sector has had support through the culture recovery fund, a £2 billion fund, among other Government support. Step 3 of the roadmap allows for indoor events up to 1,000 people and outdoor events up to 4,000 or in some cases 10,000.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Question
In my constituency and others, many events over the summer have been cancelled for a second year. Was there ever an expression of interest from the Scottish Government to hold any test events north of the border? Should event organisers in mine or other constituencies approach DCMS for permission to be made a test event, would the Minister consider that?
Minister reply
We are cooperating with devolved Administrations running separate programmes. The English-based ERP programme is the largest and most comprehensive in the world. We will share information and data but have no plans to consume Scottish programmes.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
If the Government were to underwrite insurance for events and festivals, it would be a real boost. There is precedent with terrorism where Her Majesty’s Government do well out of that deal. Will the Government think again?
Minister reply
We are aware of wider concerns about the sector including indemnity issues. We are considering options and taking these issues very seriously.
Question
First, thank you for your visit to my constituency and Puzzlewood attraction. On this particular subject, though, I am a little confused. When the Government do not publish something, it is normally because it is bad news and they are trying to hide it away. My suspicion is that this set of data is fantastically positive. It must be ready for publication because it was prepared for last week when step 4 was due to announced. Why does the Minister not publish it today?
Minister reply
Thank you for your comments and personal visit. I am afraid I do not buy into some conspiracy theories. The report needs comprehensive review by stakeholders, but we will release it very soon.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
The live events sector has been severely hit during this pandemic, with many excluded from Government support schemes. Can the Minister confirm whether the Prime Minister had access to the ERP findings and used them to inform decisions about extending lockdown restrictions? If seeing that information was important enough for him, why is it not good enough for Parliament?
Minister reply
The goal of the Government is to open sectors as soon as possible in a responsible way. We have been providing additional guidance to the events sector and further support through the culture recovery fund.
Question
Is not Israel’s example, where high vaccination levels among the general population avoid restrictions on events, one for the Government to follow? If my hon. Friend were to publish this report, he most certainly would not be damned.
Minister reply
The success of our vaccination programme is enabling smaller events to open up and with all the economic benefits that come with these major events taking place.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Question
The delay in publishing ERP data has real-world consequences, particularly for us in north Lancashire and south Cumbria where we saw the cancellation of Kendal Calling festival. Can he try once to give one credible reason for the delay?
Minister reply
We are not able to get to step 4 because of infection rate increases, concerns about variants and inability to meet tests required to open. We will continue with ERP so as to be in the best possible position when we can open.
Question
Even when step 4 is reached, events sectors need confidence that they can plan for future events either considered safe due to ERP or because of sufficient insurance. Without this confidence, it will be difficult for organisations to plan.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes absolutely the right points. Even when we can open, there will be a need to build confidence in public arena and through support measures like next phase of CRF.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Does he agree that mixed messages are being sent about safety outdoors with schools still making parents and children carry on wearing masks, yet they can walk from school to playground without a mask? Will he clarify requirements for outdoor activities so all Government Departments send same message?
Minister reply
Most devolved Administrations and UK Government set clear guidance when facemasks are required. ERP has been trialling events without social distancing and without masks.
Theresa Villiers
Con
Woodspring and North Somerset
Question
The events and conferences sector has a positive impact on the economy, showcasing the UK globally. Despite this, it remains one of the last sectors still almost shut down because of the COVID emergency. Will the Minister publish data? Given that pilot events have not led to increased infection rates, is it time to give this sector a clear timetable for reopening?
Minister reply
The minister agrees on the importance of the sector and its economic contribution, acknowledging its pivotal role in business sales across the country. He notes plans for further ERP events and mentions the tourism recovery plan's emphasis on the sector’s potential growth.
Martyn Day
SNP
Linlithgow and East Falkirk
Question
While celebrating the success of events like Download festival, can the Minister extend event insurance to support more such pilots moving forward?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the success of recent events and confirms that they are exploring indemnity options.
Ben Everitt
Con
North East Hertfordshire
Question
Is a reinsurance scheme necessary for an industry worth £84 billion annually, employing 1.5 million people across the country?
Minister reply
The minister agrees on the scheme's importance and mentions that the events research programme aims to build confidence in resuming the sector.
Alex Norris
Lab Co-op
Nottingham North
Question
Industry experts believe a Government-backed insurance scheme could unlock £9 billion boost. Can the Minister provide a definitive answer now?
Minister reply
The minister emphasises that the events research programme aims to build confidence and provides guidance on current event capacities.
Steve Double
Con
St Austell and Newquay
Question
Can Boardmasters in August go ahead, provided step 4 is reached by July 19th with continued success from the pilot scheme?
Minister reply
The minister confirms guidance will be given to help plan events safely.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
Is it reasonable for businesses to have access to data and results of pilot events to inform their approach to staging events safely this summer?
Minister reply
The minister affirms that the reasons for delays in opening are due to infection rates, not the release of reports.
Tewkesbury
Question
Will the Minister look at equalising allowable crowd capacities between seated and non-seated venues?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges concerns but states there are still some public health concerns.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon
Question
What assessment has the Minister made on the impact of this latest lockdown on the events industry?
Minister reply
The minister highlights support measures and encourages councils to be sympathetic towards applications from supply chain businesses.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Is it essential that the British Grand Prix goes ahead as a fully attended spectator event, contributing over £100 million to the local economy?
Minister reply
The minister confirms plans are progressing well and further details will be shared shortly.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North
Question
Should events like Creative Hull, Humber Street Sesh and Freedom festival become pilot events if they wish?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the importance but notes practical limitations on including every event in ERP.
Question
I am excited to inform the House that the Buxton International festival and Buxton Fringe will take place from 8 July, but concerns remain about other local events such as the Hope show and Y Not festival. I urge the Minister to consider an indemnity scheme to restore confidence in the sector.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend highlights the importance of these events. We encourage them to proceed within guidance, with a goal to open more events later this year.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Question
The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee reported insufficient data for businesses in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. The test events seem successful but details have not been published, raising questions about transparency.
Minister reply
A significant amount of information on infection rates is available online daily. We will publish more detailed reports after due process to ensure accuracy.
Question
The events industry employs 1.5 million self-employed people who often miss out on furlough payments, so reopening events and conferences is crucial for their welfare.
Minister reply
Many in the sector have accessed support programmes but additional discretionary schemes are available through local government. We also want them to benefit from restrictions grants.
Question
Event insurance underwritten by the Government is uncertain due to unanswered questions regarding support for cancellation insurance. When can the events sector expect clarity?
Minister reply
We are aware of the sector’s concerns and uncertainty. We aim to provide as much openness as possible, acknowledging the need for confidence in reopening.
Question
Thanks to the events research programme, people have enjoyed events like the FA cup final and Euro 2020 fixtures at Wembley. Can football stadiums open at full capacity from August?
Minister reply
I share my hon. Friend’s hope. The programme was crucial for both its scientific learnings and lifting spirits. We aim to see other major events like Wimbledon with full capacity.
Question
The Kendal Calling festival cancelled due to the Government's failure to publish research from the events research programme, despite no significant difference between 25% and 100% capacity. Why is this information hidden?
Minister reply
Events could not necessarily take place under step 3 of the road map; we need to be in step 4 before opening more fully. The report's publication does not equate to rule changes.
Question
Cricket fans enjoyed watching matches at Edgbaston despite initial concerns. Does the Minister agree that the public accepts cautious approaches and data-driven decisions for proper reopening?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his comments. We appreciate the value of events like these, which have been instrumental in lifting spirits during challenging times.
Question
Pilot schemes allow some full-capacity events while others cannot continue at all, and contradictions exist between professional and non-professional choirs. Why are choirs singled out?
Minister reply
Non-professional groups of up to six can now sing indoors, and outdoors in groups of 30 or more, with protective measures. We aim to resume activities as soon as possible.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Question
There is a two-tier system for data support; outdoor events like the Black Deer festival must cancel despite being covid-safe due to lack of data. What advice can be given?
Minister reply
I am sorry about the cancellation but acknowledge my hon. Friend’s efforts in lobbying on behalf of Gill and the event stakeholders. We aim to gather learnings across multiple sectors.
Warrington North
Question
Like many Warringtonians, and indeed a number of other hon. Members who I know plan to attend, I am massively looking forward to Warrington’s Neighbourhood Weekender festival, which has been rescheduled for September. Naturally, news that the Kendal Calling festival has been cancelled has caused huge concern to the events sector, as has the lack of publication of the events research programme. Festivals cannot plan ahead on a vague promise of “very soon” from the Minister, so what recent discussions has the Minister had with festivals across the country that need to make imminent decisions impacting on jobs, livelihoods and events of cultural significance to ensure they can go ahead?
Minister reply
I can assure the hon. Lady that I, other Ministers and officials in the Department are in frequent contact with stakeholders across the variety of sectors that are reliant on the results of the events research programme, and also the guidance she mentions, beforehand. So it is absolutely the intent to release the report prior to step 4. We also want to make sure that the events sector has the relevant guidance so that it can help events to open as effectively and efficiently as possible as soon as they are able to do so.
Question
Will my hon. Friend join me in praising the events sector, especially those businesses and organisations in Stoke-on-Trent, for the measures they have put in place and taken to cautiously begin reopening in line with restrictions over the past few months, and does he agree that the events research programme will play a crucial role in supporting the sector to be able to bring back much larger events over the coming months?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend. As I have said, this is a hugely important sector at both a local and a national level in terms of the economic impact, and I thank those in the sector for their incredibly constructive engagement throughout the process. That engagement will continue, because we all want to see numbers increase over time so that they can get back to doing the things that they love and we love them doing.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
I really feel for the Minister, who has clearly been sent here to say as little as possible in an hour, and in that he has largely succeeded, but it does a real disservice to the creative arts, the exhibition and the events sector, which want to be able to plan ahead. He says, “data, not dates”, and I agree with him. Where is the data to allow these companies and organisations to be able to plan ahead? Get on with it, cut the waffle and publish the data.
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his constructive advice. I can absolutely share that. I sense the frustration in the Chamber. Believe me, we all have the same goal here. We want the events sector to open as soon as possible as safely as possible and to get back to doing the things that we love it doing. Absolutely, we all recognise that.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
Reopening sports, live music and theatre is obviously very important. Many companies, such as Stage Audio Services in Dudley South, rely on community events, and business events and conferences as well. Will my hon. Friend make sure that the next phase does include such business events, so that we can bring people back safely to the full range of events and all of the jobs that rely on them?
Minister reply
First, I have to say that that is a fantastic tie. In terms of the events sector, my hon. Friend knows as well as I do, as a west midlands MP, that he is making a really important point. As for the per capita contribution, the business events sector is greatest in the west midlands. We have major, fantastic, world-class events facilities and we want to get them back up and running as soon as possible.
Question
The cancellation of Kendal Calling in the north of England has been devastating to the whole region. In the statement that Kendal Calling issued, it said that its understanding was that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport had the information from the events research programme and could release it, but that No. 10 did not want it released. That is staggering if true. What assessment has the Minister made of the economic impact on the livelihoods of people working in this area in the north of England specifically, because many of the events being mentioned here are in the south? There seems to be a huge lack of recognition of the hugely important work done in the north and the number of people’s jobs that rely on the industry.
Minister reply
I can absolutely assure the hon. Lady that we recognise the importance of these sectors right across the country. If she remembers, phase 1 of the events research programme had a particular focus on Liverpool because of its ability to work with and focus with us. I recognise that some of the events that have been announced recently are particularly focused in the south. We will announce more events right across the country.
Question
The excellent Minister has talked about publication being in due course, shortly, very soon, as soon as possible. I was going to ask: what does that mean in English? Does it mean this week or next week? But I want to ask him something more important, bearing in mind that this was sort of agreed with the Secretary of State in the Chamber a week or so ago. Would the Minister consider making this House of Commons a pilot event for one Wednesday before recess, ripping out these stupid barriers, getting the public back in and voting in the Lobbies to see what happens?
Minister reply
I dare not step on anybody’s toes in answering this one. I am sure that the appropriate authorities have heard my hon. Friend’s question, and it is an intriguing one.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
Throughout this pandemic, transparency is key, and while, on the one hand, we can understand how circumstances have changed with the delta variant, it makes no sense in ensuring public trust and business trust that the data is not presented now so that we can get a sense of, for example, outdoor versus indoors and seated versus mingling. There will be broad-brush conclusions that can be drawn from the data as seen. Why will the Government not treat people like grown-ups, and why will they not release the data and then let us have a debate about what happens next?
Minister reply
As I have said repeatedly, we will be releasing the information and data. If there were major concerns, we would have released that information already, but it is a report that has comprehensive information. There are many stakeholders involved in gathering it together and producing it and we need to go through due process before releasing it.
Question
I am extremely proud that my constituency is home to the world-renowned theatreland in the west end. Sadly, the latest figures from the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre suggest that, this year, theatres will return to only 67% of 2019 levels and 66% of that is planned for stage 4. While the theatre sector is keen to provide as much data as possible to prove that its environments are safe, will my hon. Friend confirm that the reopening of theatres at stage 4 will not be delayed to analyse data from the events research programme?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is a passionate supporter of all DCMS sectors, particularly in London, and she makes really important points. We are seeing a strong recovery in domestic tourism, arts, sports and so on, but London has some particular issues. That is precisely why we focused on London and the cities as part of the tourism recovery plan.
Shadow Comment
Jo Stevens
Shadow Comment
The shadow criticised the delay in publishing results despite the programme's start four months ago, questioning why some organisations were allowed to proceed while others were not. She expressed frustration over unpublicised reports and alleged political interference by No. 10, urging for transparency.
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