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Major Events (Hosting Powers and Ticketing) Bill - Second Reading
03 September 2026
Lead MP
Lisa Nandy
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Northern IrelandWomen & Equalities
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
Lisa Nandy raised concerns about major events (hosting powers and ticketing) bill - second reading 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
The Bill will provide a framework for delivering major events, sending a clear message to event organisers across the world that the UK is serious about being a world leader in major sporting events. It will tackle ticket touting, provide commercial protections, and introduce provision to manage transport and traffic in relation to sporting events. Additionally, it will enable bespoke funding powers for events in England, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, ensuring the UK is ready for global sporting moments and can deliver extraordinary events that inspire and enrich people’s lives.
Asks the Secretary of State to meet to discuss investment in venues like the National Water Sports Centre in Rushcliffe to support a potential northern Olympics bid.
Supports the Government's efforts to tackle ticket touting and expresses frustration with the high resale ticket prices for football matches, advocating for the Bill's swift passage.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and North Perthshire
Encourages the Government to introduce a similar Bill for live music and entertainment to protect fans from ticket touts, suggesting it is not a delaying tactic.
Expresses support for the Bill, sharing his personal experience of being inspired by the 2012 Olympics, and asks for assurances that future bids will prioritise accessibility for all.
Sarah Bool
Con
South Northamptonshire
Sarah Bool, an MP representing Silverstone, welcomes the shadow Secretary of State's stance and highlights the significant economic benefits that the British Grand Prix brings to her constituency. She stresses the importance of the event being on the annual calendar and the need to ensure that it continues to receive the necessary support to remain a vital part of the local and national economy.
James Naish
Con
Dover
James Naish, speaking about transport arrangements, underscores the importance of local councils having the authority to enforce transport plans for major events. He notes that his constituency includes three international venues in close proximity, making it challenging for residents. Naish argues that ensuring local councils have the power to enforce transport plans is crucial for the smooth operation of these events and the well-being of local residents.
Anna Sabine
LD
Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath
Anna Sabine acknowledges the Bill's positive aspects but argues for extending its scope to include music and cultural events, as they face similar issues as sporting events. She also calls for further action on ticket touting and free-to-air sports coverage, and seeks clarification on commercial deals to ensure fairness and benefit for small and medium-sized enterprises and grassroots organisations.
Imogen Walker
SNP
Hamilton East
Imogen Walker supports the Bill, highlighting the importance of sports for local communities and the positive impact of grassroots sports on mental health and community spirit. She emphasises the need for the Scottish Government to fund sporting events and calls for action against ticket touts to protect the dreams and hard work of young athletes.
Nigel Huddleston
Con
Mid Worcestershire
Supports the Bill for its economic and social benefits. Suggests considering domestic sporting events and using the Bill as an opportunity to reconsider the alcohol ban and 3 pm blackout rule in football. Also raises questions about the listed events regime and BBC coverage of events.
Lisa Nandy
Lab
Wigan
Interjects briefly to disagree with the Conservative speaker's support for the Bill.
Points out that the 2012 games were won under a Labour Government but delivered under the current Government.
Agrees that using sport as a regeneration and visioning tool is an excellent way to bring everybody together in a cross-party way to secure long-term benefits for an area.
Gosport
Supports the Bill, highlighting the importance of sport to the UK's economy and international standing. Emphasises the need for a more consistent legislative framework and a coherent strategy to support the major events sector. She also notes the need for better recognition and support for non-sporting events. Calls for a major events strategy to address the concerns of event organisers regarding bureaucracy, policing costs, and transport integration.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and North Perthshire
Supports the Bill for its potential to enhance the UK's reputation for hosting major sporting events. Concerned about the lack of free-to-air coverage of the Commonwealth games and the need for similar protections for music events. Acknowledges the importance of the Bill in protecting sports fans but calls for similar measures for music fans.
Intervened to underscore the positive impact of the Bill on the UK's soft power and the importance of such events in promoting the UK and Scotland globally.
Louie French
Con
Brent North
Louie French supports the Bill but raises concerns about the lack of a published major events strategy and various fiscal and regulatory issues. He mentions the need for clarity on CQC regulations and guarantees against additional policing costs. He also criticises the Labour Government for cutting £57 million from the opening school facilities fund and £127 million from the primary school PE and sport premium, among other cuts.
Emphasised the importance of legislation protecting communities around stadiums during major events, highlighting the need for collaboration between the Government, local councils, and police to prevent antisocial behaviour and disruption.
Asked for flexibility in legislation to accommodate events like Wimbledon, addressing parking and capacity issues, and ensuring residents can benefit from hiring out driveways during such events.
Expressed reservations about a potential Ryder Cup bid in Bolton West due to infrastructure concerns, particularly regarding road traffic at the Westhoughton Chequerbent roundabout. Requested a meeting to address these issues.
Government Response
The Secretary of State commits to introduce the Bill as soon as possible, ensuring it is robust and receives thorough scrutiny. She also pledges to meet with the relevant MP and officials to discuss venue investment and to prioritise ticket accessibility in future bids.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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