House of Commons · Westminster Hall
23 November 2020 · 18 other contributors · 13,163 words
Opened by Catherine McKinnell Lab Newcastle upon Tyne North
Responding minister: Nigel Huddleston
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Catherine McKinnell raised concerns about covid-19: restrictions on gyms and sport in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP urged the Government to clarify their strategy for restrictions and provide financial support to sports facilities, including business rates relief and VAT cuts. She also called for measures to promote exercise and fitness more widely.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The lead MP highlighted the importance of sport and exercise for physical and mental health, noting that over 3 million people did less exercise during the first lockdown. She cited concerns from constituents about gym closures and the potential long-term effects on health inequalities. The petition has garnered almost 1 million signatures, reflecting a deep concern among the public.
Ms McGovern thanked colleagues for their contributions and emphasised the importance of sport for mental and physical wellbeing. She asked the Minister to clarify how further lockdowns might impact sports and gyms, requested a commitment to reopen closed leisure centres serving deprived communities, inquired about conversations with local authorities regarding mass-testing, encouraged continued covid-safe measures if another lockdown occurs, sought details on plans between her Department and the Department for Education for children's sporting opportunities, questioned work commenced with the Department of Health and Social Care to assess physical health impacts, and asked about progress on Conservative manifesto promises for grassroots football facilities. She also requested a comprehensive plan for future wellbeing beyond the virus. Asked the Minister whether future lockdowns will include sports groups if they are not deemed sufficiently covid-safe.
Ms Eagle focused on gyms, emphasizing their importance for physical and mental health. She cited examples from her constituents who rely on gyms to manage chronic conditions and maintain mental wellbeing.
Catherine West, as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on swimming, thanked the Minister for ensuring that school swimming continued during the second lockdown. She highlighted the importance of access to swimming pools and called for a strategic look at the role of swimming instructors and proper funding arrangements for them. She also mentioned that local authorities should have access to funds to support their leisure estates, praising Fusion, a charity in her constituency, for being able to apply for such funds.
I raised concerns about the impact of the latest restrictions on gyms and sports clubs in Blackburn, urging for clearer guidance to help these organisations survive. I highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between safety measures and economic viability. Chris Green highlighted the significant impact of gym closures on both physical and mental health. He noted the limited evidence of transmission within gyms and praised gym owners for their efforts in making facilities covid-secure. Green also mentioned the outcry in Liverpool over the decision to close gyms compared to Greater Manchester's approach, advocating for reopening gyms as they are crucial for maintaining public health. Mr Green raised concerns about evidence and data supporting the opening of clubs and gyms during the pandemic.
I spoke about the disproportionate impact of the restrictions on rural areas like Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk. I highlighted specific cases where community centres are crucial for maintaining physical activity.
I raised concerns about the inconsistency in restrictions between different areas and called for more flexibility to allow local variations based on public health data. I argued that a one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate.
Mr Clark expressed concerns about the cancellation of sport during the pandemic, questioning why sports were banned despite their low risk of covid transmission outdoors. He highlighted that cricket and other outdoor activities had been restricted unnecessarily.
Welcomed the announcement allowing gyms to reopen, noting their importance for mental and physical health. Highlighted the financial struggles faced by amateur sports teams due to restrictions in poor constituencies.
She acknowledged the need for restrictions but emphasised the importance of physical activity and sport in building resilience, tackling obesity, and improving mental wellbeing. She highlighted that Loughborough is a hub for sporting excellence with many passionate constituents who want gyms and sports facilities to reopen as soon as possible. She urged the Government to consider individual venue risk assessments rather than blanket bans.
I focused on the importance of gyms in providing a safe environment for exercise under strict hygiene protocols, questioning why they should be singled out compared to other businesses. I also noted the significant economic impact.
Over 4,000 constituents have signed a petition regarding gym restrictions. The Liverpool City Region has experienced frequent reopening and closing of gyms, causing uncertainty for businesses. There is evidence that closing gyms may increase health inequalities by discouraging indoor physical activity during winter months. Since July, gyms have had over 50 million visits with a low virus prevalence rate. The MP asks whether gyms will be expected to close again in case of another national lockdown and calls for clarity on the safety standards. Ms Eagle inquired whether a further national lockdown would require all gyms to close again.
Rugby union is a social sport, vital for mental and physical health. Gyms have put in substantial safety measures allowing resumption of activities on December 3rd.
Acknowledged the need for lockdown but criticized inconsistencies in government support for gyms and financial assistance. Emphasized the importance of exercise for health and called for better data on infection risks.
I emphasised the mental health benefits of sport and exercise, arguing that restrictions should be carefully considered to ensure individuals have access to these vital activities. I also mentioned the financial strain on small businesses.
He praised parkrun for its positive impact on deprived communities, noting that 170,000 people were participating in the activity before the pandemic. He emphasised the importance of restarting events for children and young people to maintain healthy habits and prevent issues such as obesity. He called on the Government to support organisations like parkrun as they plan their return.
Concerned about justification for opening fast food takeaways while gyms and local sports remain closed. Requests full cost-benefit analysis of restrictions and publication of models informing policies.
Peter Kyle expressed frustration with the lack of long-term strategic planning by the Government since the beginning of the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of gyms in maintaining health and wellbeing, noting that modern gym facilities could have been safely opened with additional measures such as electronic entry systems and limited capacity.
East Devon's communities depend on local gyms and leisure centres, especially for physical and mental wellbeing. Over 1,000 petition signatories come from East Devon, and many elderly constituents are disappointed about not being able to exercise with friends. The LED Leisure Centre Group in Exmouth seeks recognition as an essential service to stay open safely during winter. Cranford Sports Club hosts various support groups and GP referrals, reducing NHS burdens. A £100 million Government fund will help cover pandemic losses for leisure centres.
Government Response
Nigel HuddlestonIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell. I am grateful to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North for leading this important debate, to the hundreds of thousands of people—nearly 1 million—who have signed the petitions, and to the hon. Members who have spoken so eloquently today. Since the debate was scheduled, we entered a four-week period of national measures where gyms and leisure centres had to close their doors due to the virus spreading faster than expected. Organised grassroots sport will be allowed to resume from 2 December with restrictions on higher-risk activities in very high alert level areas. The importance of sport for physical and mental health has never been more apparent, especially as we prepare to return to our normal lives now that an effective vaccination programme looks imminent. Sport was prioritized even during peak lockdown when exercise remained an absolute priority. Many calls have been made for exemptions, but the focus had to be on minimising risky interactions. Closing facilities was inconvenient and upsetting but likely saved lives. As soon as it is possible to lift restrictions, grassroots sport will return among the first things. The Government will not make promises based on future hypothetical scenarios but are looking towards a much more positive future with the vaccination coming. Golf courses were among the first facilities to reopen following the spring lockdown due to their efforts in ensuring players can take part safely. A £100 million support fund for leisure centres affected by the pandemic was announced, and Sport England has provided over £220 million directly to support the sport and physical activity sector with £35 million set aside as a community emergency fund through the pandemic.