Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Elite Sport

Thursday 18 March 2021 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Travel exemptions have allowed international elite sports competitions to continue safely.
  • A 300 million winter sport survival package was provided, and another 300 million was recently announced for ongoing support.
  • Officials will consider the MP's offer but cannot give a guarantee today.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Antony Higginbotham
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on elite sports and their recovery as lockdowns ease.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support the return of elite sport as covid-19 restrictions are eased. Behind-closed-doors matches have allowed vital broadcast revenue, but local economies relying on clubs like Burnley FC need more support.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Travel exemptions have allowed international elite sports competitions to continue safely. A £300 million winter sport survival package was provided, and another £300 million announced recently for ongoing support. Officials will consider the MP's offer but cannot give a guarantee today.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP specifically asked about including Burnley FC in trials using testing to bring fans back, but no concrete commitment was given.

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Q2 Antony Higginbotham
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on Burnley FC and its local economy.

Question

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. He will be aware that in Burnley our local economies rely on the football club that fills hotels, restaurants and bars. While we know that getting all that back will need to be done cautiously and in line with the Prime Minister's road map, may I urge him to look at whether Burnley football club can be included in the trials taking place to get more fans back using things like testing, so that more and more fans from Burnley can get back to the turf?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Officials will consider the offer but cannot give a guarantee today. The events research programme will provide scientific data on how events can reopen safely, and government departments are working closely on options to support reopening businesses and leisure venues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP specifically asked about including Burnley FC in trials using testing, but no concrete commitment was given.

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