Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 15 January 2026 · 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

  • The governance of rugby union is a matter for the Rugby Football Union, which operates independently of the Government.
  • The DCMS continues to work with the RFU and is willing to discuss the financial situation of rugby union further.
  • The Department is set to discuss with the Secretary of State for Housing the challenges faced by music venues, including funding issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Edward Morello Lib Dem West Dorset
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Over the last 24 years, 174 grassroots rugby clubs have disappeared. Premiership clubs owe the Government massive amounts in covid loans and carry £340 million in debt.

Question

What assessment has the Department made of the long-term financial stability of both grassroots and premiership rugby?

Answer from Stephanie Peacock

The governance of rugby union is a matter for the Rugby Football Union, which is independent of Government, but the Government monitor the financial situation of rugby union closely. The DCMS continues to work with the RFU and I am happy to discuss that further with the hon. Gentleman.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment not provided

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Q2 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
Housing Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The Moth club in Hackney is potentially under threat from a planning issue.

Question

What conversations has the Department had with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government about planning for music venues? The Moth club in Hackney is potentially under threat from a planning issue, and it is vital that the Departments work together to preserve our music venues.

Answer from Lisa Nandy

This is a significant issue for many music venues around the country, in addition to the funding challenges that they face, which we are trying to address, and we know that they would welcome more Government support with it. I am due to discuss this shortly with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, but I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss it further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete actions not provided

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