House of Commons · Westminster Hall
05 March 2025 · 3 other contributors · 4,274 words
Opened by Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon
Responding minister: Stephanie Peacock
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Ben Obese-Jecty raised concerns about professional cycling: free-to-air coverage in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP calls for free-to-air coverage of professional cycling to be maintained or reinstated, highlighting its importance in inspiring future generations and maintaining public interest in the sport.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The demise of Eurosport and the move to a subscription-based model for cycling coverage, including the Tour de France, is seen as a significant blow. The closure of GCN+ has led to less accessibility in watching global cycling events, with only 10% of viewers being able to access races through other means. There's also a concern that this will discourage children from taking up cycling and reduce national pride associated with the sport.
Supports the hon. Member’s concerns about the lack of free-to-air coverage for major cycling events such as the Tour de France, emphasizing its impact on inspiring future cyclists and maintaining public interest.
Supports the argument for free-to-air coverage of cycling to encourage national pride and inspire children, emphasizing the importance of live viewing compared to reading results later.
Supported hosting cycling events and recognised the impact of TV costs on viewers.
Government Response
Stephanie PeacockThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
The Minister acknowledged the points raised about cycling and its importance to the economy and people's health. She noted that professional cycling inspires many people to cycle regularly. The Government continues to support the growth of cycling through active travel funding and investment in British Cycling, which will help inspire the next generation of cyclists. For instance, UK Sport has committed over £38 million for British Cycling’s Olympic and Paralympic plans until 2028, a significant uplift from previous cycles. The Department is also working with local authorities to deliver active travel schemes across England, enabling an additional 30 million journeys on foot and bike every year. Emphasised the UK's reputation in hosting major cycling events, acknowledged concerns about TV package costs increasing to over £30 a month, and highlighted the importance of TV revenue for sustaining sports without government intervention. Reiterated the ambition to host the Tour de France Grand Départ in the UK again, citing Yorkshire 2014 as successful.