← Back to House of Commons Debates
British Wrestling
22 April 2021
Lead MP
Mark Fletcher
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Culture, Media & SportWomen & Equalities
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Mark Fletcher raised concerns about british wrestling 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Mark Fletcher thanked Mr Speaker for the debate and acknowledged his co-chair, Alex Davies-Jones. He noted that he is likely the first MP to address professional wrestling in a significant way since the 1940s. Fletcher shared his personal history with wrestling, starting from receiving a DVD featuring The Undertaker as a young man, watching commentary by Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan and Ric Flair, attending a show at Adwick leisure centre in Doncaster, and attending a PROGRESS show at Wembley arena recently. He mentioned the resurgence of British wrestling talent and promotions such as PROGRESS, Insane Championship Wrestling, and Revolution Pro Wrestling hosting major shows attracting international audiences. He also highlighted the creation of WWE's performance centre outside the US in London and the success of British wrestlers like Drew McIntyre and Kay Lee Ray.
Nigel Evans
Con
Camberley
Evans acknowledged Jim Shannon as a closet wrestling fan and mentioned his former chief of staff, Robert Rams, who had a strong passion for wrestling. He congratulated Mark Fletcher on raising the issues and opportunities of wrestling.
Nigel Huddleston
Con
Birmingham Yardley
Huddleston thanked Fletcher for securing the debate and praised the all-party group on wrestling's work in raising wrestling's profile. He highlighted the resurgence of British wrestling, training facilities like WWE's performance centre in London, and the success of British wrestlers such as Drew McIntyre and Kay Lee Ray.
Government Response
Evans congratulated Fletcher on securing the debate. He acknowledged the APPG's inquiry into professional wrestling in Britain, highlighting its recommendations on health and safety standards, safeguarding, promotion of wrestling, and addressing the gender pay gap. He urged the wrestling industry to use resources from other sectors for guidance and suggested engagement with Sport England regarding how wrestling should be categorised as a sport or entertainment. Evans thanked Fletcher for his debate and promised to consider all questions raised. He emphasised the need for clarity in what support the industry is seeking, suggesting it would benefit discussions with relevant organisations like Sport England and Arts Council England.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.