Major Sporting Events 2025-07-03
2025-07-03
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the women’s rugby world cup reception in Speaker's House and her participation in a competition in 1998. She emphasized the importance of securing a legacy for future generations of women and girls.
Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you personally for hosting the women’s rugby world cup reception in Speaker’s House yesterday evening. It was a magnificent event. With England hosting the women’s rugby world cup it is vital that women and girls see the legacy of those who have gone before them and championed their country. Sport is so important to the future of women and girls. Will my right hon. Friend join me in committing to securing a legacy for women and girls who will be able to see rugby being played across England and the home nations?
My hon. Friend is an incredible champion for sports in general and rugby in particular. We are really proud of this incredible achievement for the UK. It is fitting that my hon. Friend asks this question with exactly 50 days to go until the women’s rugby world cup kicks off. We want to make it the biggest ever. So far, 275,000 tickets have been sold. Recently the Prime Minister and I were at St George’s Park watching the Lionesses train. It is so inspiring that an entire generation of girls know that they belong on the pitch every bit as much as anyone else. We are determined to ensure that this women’s rugby world cup does exactly the same for rugby.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The MP noted that Royal Ascot last week attracted a viewing population of tens of millions and the upcoming Glorious Goodwood event. She highlighted horseracing's support for 85,000 jobs and generation of £4 billion annually but mentioned an imminent crisis facing it.
The Secretary of State will know that Royal Ascot last week attracted a viewing population of tens of millions, and “Glorious Goodwood” is about to do the same. Horseracing supports about 85,000 jobs across the UK and generates about £4 billion a year for the UK economy, but the Secretary of State will know that it faces a looming and imminent crisis. When will the Government really start to back British horseracing?
Let me reassure the hon. Member on this point: we understand not just the joy that horseracing brings to millions of people in the UK and across the world but the huge economic benefits that it produces. We are absolutely determined to back British horseracing to the hilt. The Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley South (Stephanie Peacock), has had several meetings and discussions with industry, and we will continue to ensure we are present, walking alongside them in order to support them.
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