Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Horseracing

Thursday 16 November 2023 · 3 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Louie French inquired about concerns over increased affordability checks in horseracing and their potential impact on the sector.
  • The Minister assured that the government aims to bring uniformity to the current inconsistent system of affordability checks without over-regulating.
  • Jim Shannon questioned the Minister about race cancellations due to weather conditions and sought help for the horseracing sector.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question arises from concerns about the impact of affordability checks on British horseracing, affecting racegoers and workers in the sector.

Question

My right hon. Friend will be aware that many racegoers and people who work in a variety of jobs across the sector are concerned that increased affordability checks could have a detrimental impact on British horseracing. What assurances can he provide that affordability checks will not be intrusive and that millions of hard-working Brits will still be free to safely enjoy the great British tradition of a day at the races?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

We absolutely recognise the relationship between betting and racing, and have no intention of over-regulating. We want to bring uniformity to the current inconsistent system. We have had several meetings with racing stakeholders this week, ensuring that checks will be frictionless and that the majority who enjoy gambling safely can continue to do so while protecting those at risk.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific assurances requested about non-intrusive affordability checks were not explicitly provided.

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Q2 Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question arises from the impact of severe weather conditions on the horse-racing sector, leading to cancellations of races.

Question

I thank the Minister for his response. The terrible weather conditions in the last three or four weeks has had an impact on the horse-racing sector. Races at Down Royal were cancelled because of flooding. Horseracing is very important to my constituents, and many people are involved in it. Has the Minister had discussions with other Departments to ensure that any help can be given to the horseracing sector for races lost?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

I would be happy to discuss any specific issues relating to the racecourse mentioned, and to see whether I can talk to colleagues in other Departments about that.

Not addressed: The question was deflected without addressing whether assistance has been discussed or provided for lost races.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Context

The question arises from the impact of severe weather conditions on horse-racing events in Jim Shannon's constituency.

Question

The terrible weather conditions have led to race cancellations at Down Royal, impacting many people involved in horseracing. Has the Minister had discussions with other Departments to ensure that any help can be given to the horseracing sector for races lost?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

I understand the impact it might have. I would be happy to discuss any specific issues relating to the racecourse mentioned, and to see whether I can talk to colleagues in other Departments about that.

Not addressed: The question was deflected without addressing whether assistance has been discussed or provided for lost races.

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