Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Footballers: Risk of Dementia

Thursday 18 April 2024 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions addressed concerns over former footballers developing CTE-related dementia.
  • The PFA and Premier League established a brain health fund with 1 million for long-term support.
  • Government developed concussion guidelines and convened research groups to protect players' health.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Duncan Baker
NHS
Context

The MP highlights the increased risk of dementia among former professional footballers due to repeated head impacts and raises concerns about a lack of proper support funds.

Question

My constituent Chris Sutton, a former player for Celtic, Chelsea, Blackburn, and Norwich City, has highlighted that former players are four times more likely to suffer from CTE-related dementia. He is concerned about the absence of adequate provisions for affected ex-players and their families. Can the Minister ensure the establishment of a properly funded dementia support fund?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

The PFA and Premier League have established a brain health fund with £1 million initial funding, set to evolve into a charity for long-term support. I will write to the PFA for assurances on current workings of the fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific financial commitment or timeline not provided.

How: Under Review

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Q2 Duncan Baker
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP expresses concern over rising vaping rates among teenagers, citing a statistic showing that in 2022, 25% of 15-year-olds had used e-cigarettes within the past month.

Question

Given that current use of e-cigarettes among 15-year-olds is at 25%, and likely higher now, does the Minister believe it is appropriate for football clubs to sponsor vaping products? If not, will he join efforts to change this?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

It is up to individual clubs and sporting bodies to set guidelines on sponsorships. While I understand the concern, I will consider it further.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether he would support efforts to ban vaping company sponsorship in sports.

How: Will Give It Further Consideration

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Q3 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP raises concerns about the safety of professional players, especially in light of former players suffering from dementia.

Question

In view of numerous cases of former professional footballers developing dementia, what steps is the Department taking to ensure sports governing bodies have adequate guidance to protect players' health?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

The Government has developed concussion guidelines for grassroots and professional sports, convened a research group on sports-related concussions, and an innovation panel focusing on practical solutions. Evaluation of these initiatives is ongoing.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q4 Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South
NHS
Context

The MP discusses the increased risk of dementia among former professional footballers due to repeated head impacts and raises concerns about a lack of proper support funds.

Question

My constituent Chris Sutton, a former player for Celtic, Chelsea, Blackburn, and Norwich City, has highlighted that former players are four times more likely to suffer from CTE-related dementia. He is concerned about the absence of adequate provisions for affected ex-players and their families. Can the Minister ensure the establishment of a properly funded dementia support fund?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

The PFA and Premier League have established a brain health fund with £1 million initial funding, set to evolve into a charity for long-term support. I will write to the PFA for assurances on current workings of the fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific financial commitment or timeline not provided.

How: Under Review

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