Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Spectator Sports: Covid-19

Thursday 24 September 2020 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government is working with the sports sector to find solutions and innovations for the return of spectators during the covid-19 outbreak.
  • Sporting activities are continuing under public health guidelines, with some sports events allowing spectators but under restrictions.
  • Discussions are ongoing with sporting bodies to provide further financial support to clubs affected by the restrictions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alan Mak Con Havant
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Fans want to return to sporting events, but there is a sharp upward trajectory of cases, leading to difficult decisions. The government has paused test events and expansions planned.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support the return of spectators at live sports events during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The Government understands that fans want to be back watching live sport, and we continue to work with the sector on solutions and innovations. Spectators at some sporting events are still possible but full return of fans to stadiums will only happen when it is safe to do so based on public health situation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps taken by the department, no concrete actions or timeline provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Christian Wakeford Lab Bury South
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Sports events have returned at professional and grassroots levels, but there is a need to balance this with the risk of infection.

Question

Football's coming home—or so we thought. While it is extremely heartening to see the return of cricket, rugby, football and other sporting fixtures in my constituency, we must be mindful of the rate of infection. Can my hon. Friend provide an update on the plan to continue reopening these activities?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Sport is hugely important to physical and mental wellbeing, but measures are introduced to attempt to slow virus spread. Organised outdoor team sport, exercise classes, and licensed physical activity can continue in larger numbers under the rule of six exemption.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plan details for reopening activities not provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Sara Britcliffe
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Clubs like Accrington Stanley rely heavily on match-day income, which has been devastated by recent announcements.

Question

Can he assure me that he is working towards a road map to bring fans back safely and that further financial support is being considered for local clubs?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We understand the restrictions will cause financial difficulties for clubs. We are working closely with sporting bodies to see how we can further support them, including discussions about additional support measures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific road map details and exact financial measures not provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Alan Mak Con Havant
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Non-league clubs rely on match-day income for financial sustainability, and recent restrictions have caused difficulties.

Question

What steps is my hon. Friend taking to allow non-league football fans safely back in stadiums as soon as possible?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Spectators are allowed at non-elite football events but not for clubs competing in the national league south. We understand financial difficulties and are working closely with sporting bodies to support them further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps towards safe return of fans not provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Alison McGovern Lab Birkenhead
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Clubs may collapse without proper support, and there is uncertainty about the premier league's willingness to underwrite.

Question

What is the plan to save the game we love? Suppose that the Premier League is not prepared to underwrite football, who will be blamed when clubs collapse?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We are having detailed conversations with sport, including football. We appreciate that this announcement will have economic consequences and we had hoped to return spectators bringing in income. Sport is expected to support itself where possible, while the Government focuses on those most in need.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plan for saving clubs not provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q6 Julian Knight Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP notes that the progression of the virus is severely impacting these sectors, potentially leading to their extinction. The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee has written a letter to the Secretary of State highlighting lessons from an attempt to reopen these industries.

Question

I thank the Minister for his engagement on this issue and for his commitment and hard work. Obviously, the progress of this virus is a body blow to sectors facing what is in no small terms a potential extinction event. Does he agree with my Committee in its letter to the Secretary of State early today that lessons can be learned from this aborted attempt to reopen sport and live entertainment, such as the issuing of a “no earlier than” date with three months' notice, better, wider testing and funds specifically targeted at allowing adaptations to be made for safer reopening?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

I thank my hon. Friend for his comments and very much appreciate the work that he and the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee have done. I would be more than happy to discuss his proposals further and thank him for his involvement so far. I wish that I could stand here and give definitive timescales for what we will be able to do, but, as we live in such uncertain times, I am unable to do so. I can assure him that we will endeavour to give as much guidance and notice as possible, and I look forward to working with him further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Definitive timescales for reopening

How: I Wish That I Could Stand Here And Give Definitive Timescales For What We Will Be Able To Do, But, As We Live In Such Uncertain Times, I Am Unable To Do So.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)