Topical Questions 2021-05-20
2021-05-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The proposal for the European super league was driven by a small number of clubs wanting greater financial power and control, which is similar to how the Premier League was set up.
The proposal for the European super league was driven by a small number of clubs wanting greater financial power and control, which in some ways was exactly the reason that the Premier League itself was set up in the first place. I was somewhat disappointed by the Secretary of State's answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Rochdale (Tony Lloyd), when he described the £4.8 billion deal that the Premier League has just done on TV rights—with only £100 million coming to the rest of football—as money flowing “through the…pyramid”. May I seek reassurance from the Secretary of State, therefore, that his support for the financial status quo will not in any way compromise the ability of the hon. Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey Crouch) to recommend the radical changes to governance, regulation and the distribution of finance in football that the vast majority of fans want to see?
The short answer is yes, of course I will look at the outcome of the inquiry that I have commissioned. I have specifically asked my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey Crouch) to look at football financing and the pyramid, because I know all the challenges with it. That is separate from the interim measures that will cover the next three years. That will ensure that money flows through the pyramid, because it is not just the additional £100 million; it is all the other payments to the English Football League that will be secured through that announcement, should it go ahead.
▸
Assessment & feedback
While the Secretary of State acknowledged the importance of looking at football financing and ensuring money flows through the pyramid, he did not provide a clear commitment about supporting radical changes to governance and regulation.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The shared rural network initiative aims to eliminate mobile coverage notspots across the country.
The shared rural network is a fantastic initiative. What good news can we have for the notspots of Hampshire?
Yes, our £1 billion shared rural network is eliminating mobile coverage notspots across the country, including in East Hampshire. Operators have already announced the first 333 upgrades and 54 new sites in England. We will shortly be announcing the next stage of the programme. Although I cannot give full details now, I very much expect this to contain more good news for my right hon. Friend's constituents.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State acknowledged the initiative's positive impact but did not provide specific details or commitments about future developments in Hampshire.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
More than 3 million people participate in parkrun in England, and it plays a major role in the physical and mental wellbeing of participants.
More than 3 million people participate in parkrun in England, and it plays a major role in the physical and mental wellbeing of participants. Parkrun has had legal permission to return since 29 March under the covid framework from the Government and Public Health England, but there is completely inconsistent decision making across authorities, and the situation is threatening parkrun's future.
Yes. I completely share the hon. Lady's frustration that this is not happening. I have discussed it with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and he and I will shortly be sending a very clear message and signal in writing to local authorities about our expectation that those events should proceed.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Singing also makes a positive difference to the health of over 2 million people who sing in amateur choirs.
I am delighted with the Secretary of State's response and grateful for it. Singing also makes a positive difference to the health of over 2 million people who sing in amateur choirs. The go-ahead was given for indoor rehearsals from Monday of this week, following step 3 of the roadmap, but on Tuesday, literally as conductors were on their way to rehearsals, late guidance was issued by DCMS limiting indoor rehearsals to just six people in total.
I share the frustration of many Members of this House that we have not been able to permit more people to participate in amateur choirs. I can tell the House and reassure Members that that decision was made on the basis of very clear public health guidance. Ultimately, the Prime Minister and I did not feel that we could contradict that public health guidance.
▸
Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging frustration, the Secretary of State did not provide specific evidence or confirm publication of it.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Falmouth is welcoming the world's media as part of the G7 summit, showcasing Cornwall's heritage and culture.
Next month Falmouth is welcoming the world's media as part of the G7 summit and showing off the very best of Cornwall's heritage and culture. As my right hon. Friend will know, Falmouth University produces some of the world's best graduates in the creative arts industries. Will he meet me to discuss how best we can nurture this talent to potentially grow the film, TV and post-production elements in Falmouth in order to provide these quality industry careers here in Cornwall?
As my hon. Friend knows, I am a great supporter of Cornish culture and heritage, and I know of the outstanding reputation of Falmouth University. We have done a huge amount to support this country's film industry, which is currently probably stronger than it has ever been, notwithstanding covid. I or one of my ministerial colleagues would be delighted to meet her to discuss what more we can do to support the Cornish film industry.
▸
Assessment & feedback
While expressing willingness to meet, the Secretary of State did not provide a commitment on concrete actions or timelines for supporting the Cornish film industry.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Culture Secretary claimed the government is defending heritage, but there have been almost 800 library closures and the Whitehall Bell Foundry was sold to commercial developers after 450 years of continuous operation. The speaker also mentioned concerns about Brexit visa issues affecting the cultural sector.
I am concerned that cuts have led to almost 800 library closures, the Whitehall Bell Foundry has been passed into the hands of commercial developers, and we have not heard what will replace Creative Europe culture funding. Should the Culture Secretary not be focusing on sorting out the Brexit visa mess rather than meddling in museums?
I have given £2 billion-worth of support, which is the largest injection by any Government ever. My primary focus is to enable heritage attractions and theatres up and down the country to operate normally again under stage 4 of the road map.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about focusing on Brexit visa issues for cultural workers was not addressed directly.
Response accuracy