Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 26 February 2026 · 12 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 9 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Many Members have expressed concern following the racial slur incident at the BAFTA awards, prompting an investigation to prevent future occurrences.
  • The Government recognises serious concerns of Welsh rugby fans but emphasizes that the UK Government has no role in the operations of the Welsh Rugby Union.
  • The national youth strategy, backed by over 500 million, aims to reverse the 73% reduction in spending on youth services under the previous government.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Chadwick Lib Dem Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Following the broadcast of a racial slur during the BAFTA awards, the BBC's investigation is ongoing to prevent future incidents.

Question

If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The questioner raised concerns over the racial slur aired during the BAFTAs and asked for an update from the government on their response.

Answer from Lisa Nandy

Many Members have expressed concern following the racial slur incident at the BAFTA awards. The Secretary of State was in contact with the director-general immediately after the broadcast, and an investigation is underway to ensure such incidents do not happen again.

Answered
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Q2 David Chadwick Lib Dem Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Clubs in Wales are demanding a vote of no confidence due to leadership issues at the Welsh Rugby Union.

Question

Despite a spirited performance at the weekend, Welsh rugby is in crisis. Clubs demand a vote of no confidence and supporters fear losing professional rugby in Swansea. The questioner asked if the Secretary of State agrees that the WRU leadership has lost confidence and should step aside.

Answer from Lisa Nandy

Rugby union is vital to national identity. The Government recognises serious concerns of Welsh rugby fans, including the hon. Member. However, UK Government has no role in operations of Welsh Rugby Union; this falls under responsibility of the Welsh Government and Sport Wales.

Not addressed: The specific ask about WRU leadership stepping aside was not addressed

How: Uk Government Has No Role

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Q3 Josh Newbury Lab Cannock Chase
Children & Families
Context

Youth services have been slashed and shut down completely in areas like Cannock Chase, and Staffordshire missed out on the better youth spaces programme.

Question

Staffordshire's youth service was shut down 13 years ago. With half a billion pounds committed to reinvestment through Young Futures hubs, youth centres, and more youth workers, will the Minister assure constituents that areas like Cannock Chase with no youth service will benefit from this investment?

Answer from Stephanie Peacock

Spending on youth services in England saw a 73% reduction under the last Government. The national youth strategy, backed by over £500 million, is reversing this trend and I would be happy to discuss it further with him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about Cannock Chase was not directly addressed

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Q4 Nigel Huddleston Con Droitwich and Evesham
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

A racial slur was aired during the BAFTAs, causing anxiety to John Davidson and offence to many others.

Question

The Secretary of State mentioned the BAFTA awards, marred by the airing of involuntary comments by John Davidson. The microphone placement close to John resulted in offensive remarks being aired despite a two-hour delay. Does the Secretary agree that the BBC and BAFTA must investigate this matter and apologise?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

The Government were not satisfied with the initial response from the BBC, and swift action is needed. The Minister for Creative Industries met BAFTA this week to discuss how to exercise better duty of care to all concerned.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about an apology was not directly addressed

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Q5 Nigel Huddleston Con Droitwich and Evesham
Community Security
Context

The budget for the listed places of worship scheme was cut, causing uncertainty and postponement of vital repair work.

Question

When the Labour Government cut the budget for the listed places of worship scheme, it suggested that funds would always be available. However, now it has run out of money. Will the Government commit to fully restoring the budget and releasing information about a new scheme urgently?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

The previous funding scheme had serious challenges due to the economic state left by the Labour Government. The new scheme aims to provide funding not just for those who can raise money but also for places where funds are scarce.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about budget restoration and urgent information release was not directly addressed

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Q6 John Whitby Lab Derbyshire Dales
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Ex-footballers are suffering from CTE, a form of dementia caused by repeated heading. PFA has only provided support after NHS and family assets have been exhausted.

Question

A growing number of ex-footballers suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a form of dementia caused by repeated heading. With the PFA providing support only after funding sources are exhausted, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure appropriate support for these ex-players and adequate funding from competition organisers?

Answer from Stephanie Peacock

The Secretary of State met impacted players, a roundtable discussion is planned, football bodies are being asked for clarity on available funding, ensuring adequate money is provided.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps and commitments were not fully detailed

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Q7 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Sport England is losing its consultee status amid significant business rate increases affecting sports facilities. This raises concerns about the future of sporting infrastructure.

Question

My hon. Friend notes that Sport England is losing its consultee status, at a time when sports clubs face 46% business rate hikes making them prime grey-belt building sites. Are Ministers aware?

Answer from Stephanie Peacock

Sport England's status is not lost; there is a consultation ongoing. The Prime Minister and I have met multiple times to discuss the issue, committing £400 million to grassroots sports to avoid reducing playing fields and facilities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or funding for addressing business rate increases for sports clubs

How: Consultation Ongoing

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Q8 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Housing Culture, Media & Sport
Context

New homes are being built, but there's a need to build communities with a strong cultural component. The city already has a significant cultural offer.

Question

Many new houses will be built in Cambridge over the coming years. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure these developments include vital cultural components?

Answer from Ian Murray

Building homes involves not just economic drivers but also cultural and heritage communities. Cambridgeshire has seen many infrastructure projects, and Arts Council England's national portfolio programme supports local organisations like New International Encounter and Oblique Arts through the £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to ensure cultural components are built into new housing developments

How: Fantastic Cultural Offer

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Q9 Rishi Sunak Con Richmond and Northallerton
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Richmond is home to cultural assets like Richmond castle, Georgian Theatre Royal, and has a rich history and community events. The city aims to be named the UK's town of culture.

Question

Richmond, North Yorkshire, boasts significant cultural assets and history, including successful community events. Will the Secretary of State support Richmond's bid for the UK town of culture title?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for championing Richmond's bid and encourage the community interest company to continue its work towards this goal.

Answered
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Q10 Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell
Defence
Context

The national youth strategy offers a chance to improve access to youth services. The MOD's strategic defence review aims for 30% more cadets across the UK by 2030.

Question

What discussions has the Minister had with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence regarding tying the national youth strategy together with the aim to expand cadet force access by 30% by 2030?

Answer from Stephanie Peacock

Discussions with the MOD are ongoing regarding the “30 by 30” programme which aims to recruit an additional 40,000 cadets across the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details of specific discussions and outcomes

How: Discussions Ongoing

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Q11 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The annual Brit awards are gathering the best of UK music in Manchester. The industry is growing but faces issues like artist remuneration, touring in Europe, and AI threats.

Question

UK music continues to grow and success stories include Lola Young and Olivia Dean, but challenges remain. Will the Secretary of State continue engaging with the sector on these issues?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

I am delighted to attend this year's Brit awards in Manchester and agree with the hon. Gentleman's point about engaging with the sector on issues like artist remuneration, touring in Europe, and AI threats through initiatives such as a voluntary levy for grassroots music venues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details of engagement and solutions to challenges

How: Continuing To Engage

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Q12 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Transport
Context

Northern industries built the nation but were neglected by previous governments, exemplified by Newcastle's iconic non-functioning swing bridge. A feasibility study is underway.

Question

Newcastle's iconic swing bridge no longer swings due to neglect under previous governments. What help can the Secretary of State provide for its restoration?

Answer from Ian Murray

I commend my hon. Friend's campaign for Newcastle's swing bridge on its 150th anniversary year. The feasibility study led by Newcastle city council aims to understand if and how the grade II listed building can be returned to full operation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific funding or other direct support mentioned

How: Campaign Commendation

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