Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UEFA Euro 2028

Thursday 16 November 2023 · 5 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government are taking steps to support preparations for UEFA Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland
  • Villa Park in Birmingham is a great venue with exciting plans for Euro 2028
  • Minister commits to engaging with the Football Supporters' Association and other stakeholders regarding Euro 2028 preparations

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP inquired about the UK's preparations for hosting UEFA Euro 2028, a major sporting event that will be jointly held by the UK and Ireland.

Question

What steps she is taking to help support preparations for UEFA Euro 2028.

Answer from Stuart Andrew

The Government are delighted that the UK and Ireland have secured the right to host Euro 2028. This will be the biggest joint event our islands have ever hosted, building on our world-leading track record of delivering major sporting events and leaving a lasting legacy for communities right across the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify any concrete steps or actions being taken to support preparations

How: Delighted That The Uk Will Host, Biggest Joint Event Our Islands Have Ever Hosted

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Q2 Eddie Hughes Con
Transport Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP expressed interest in improving the Witton train station's capacity to support fans attending Euro 2028 matches at Villa Park.

Question

I am delighted to have to declare an interest, because my cousin, Ray Reidy, has just been appointed interim chief financial officer at Aston Villa. As an Aston Villa fan myself, I know how difficult it is to get away from a game using Witton train station. Will the Minister join me, Andy Street and the combined authority, in working to develop the capacity of Witton train station in advance of that stadium being used for the Euros in 2028?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

We in DCMS are always happy to try to deliver what our colleagues want, and I am delighted that Villa Park is a great venue and has exciting plans. Birmingham and the west midlands region has benefited from significant investment as part of the Commonwealth games, but my hon. Friend is right to say that we will be working with partners right across Government, and in other organisations, to ensure that Euro 2028 is one of the most exciting events we have seen in this country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit specifically to developing Witton train station's capacity for Euro 2028

How: Delighted That Villa Park Is A Great Venue, Working With Partners Right Across Government

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Q3 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP inquired about the government's efforts to ensure security, travel, and ticketing arrangements are maximised for Euro 2028.

Question

I am not sure whether my right hon. Friend has been to Villa Park, but some of us may differ on its condition. We will leave it to Gareth Southgate to prepare the team to go one step further and win the championship when it comes around, but will my right hon. Friend ensure that the security and travel arrangements, and most importantly the ticketing arrangements, maximise the capability of people to enjoy our beautiful game?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that issue. In my role I get the great opportunity to go to many exciting events—

Not addressed: Did not address the specific concerns about security, travel and ticketing arrangements for Euro 2028

How: Right Hon. Friend Is Absolutely Right To Raise That Issue, Get The Great Opportunity To Go To Many Exciting Events

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Q4 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP raised concerns about the potential lack of increased sports participation following major sporting events, such as UEFA Euro 2028.

Question

St James' Park in the heart of Newcastle will be welcoming European football fans as part of Euro 2028, and we are very proud of that. Following the 2012 Olympics, sports participation did not increase. Will the Minister set out what the Government will do to ensure that the legacy of Euro 2028 is increased participation across Newcastle?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

The hon. Lady raises an important point. Legacy is incredibly important to me. That is why we have been giving hundreds of millions of pounds to improve on and build new grassroots sports facilities, so that there are plenty of opportunities for people to enjoy the things they want to do that are inspired by tournaments just like Euro 2028.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not outline a specific plan or commit to increased participation in Newcastle

How: Legacy Is Incredibly Important, Giving Hundreds Of Millions Of Pounds

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Q5 Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP inquired about engaging the Football Supporters' Association in planning for Euro 2028, as well as addressing concerns over ticket prices.

Question

This should be an opportunity for fans to celebrate and enjoy. I remember the 1996 Euros, when the Danish fans came to Sheffield and drank the city dry, without any problems or disorder whatsoever. Will the Minister give two commitments? First, will he engage with the Football Supporters' Association in full planning for this? It needs to be involved because it has really good ideas and experience. Secondly, will he talk to the authorities about ticket pricing, so that those on low incomes, and particularly children, can get to the games and enjoy the events?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

I absolutely commit to engage with the Football Supporters' Association. I also met fans ahead of the European championship finals in Istanbul this year. The hon. Gentleman is right, and there are lots of issues for us to discuss. We are in constant discussions with the likes of UEFA, for example, to which I will happily make those representations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit specifically to engaging on ticket pricing issues or providing concrete actions related to low-income individuals and children

How: Commit Absolutely To Engage With The Football Supporters' Association, In Constant Discussions With Uefa

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