Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Sport England: Tackling Racism

09 July 2025 · 3 other contributors · 4,799 words

Opened by Naz Shah Lab Bradford West

Responding minister: Stephanie Peacock

Culture, Media & Sport

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Naz Shah raised concerns about sport england: tackling racism in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Racism impacts grassroots sports clubs in marginalised communities, as seen with the Onna Ju-Jitsu club in Bradford West.
  • Sport England is asked to uphold anti-racism policies, investigate issues faced by the Onna Ju-Jitsu club, and ensure accountability from bodies like the British Ju-Jitsu Association.
  • The Minister committed to addressing racism in sport and meeting with Sport England to discuss specific cases involving national governing bodies.

Key requests to Government

Sport England should uphold its policies against racism, investigate the issues faced by Onna Ju-Jitsu and ensure accountability from organisations like the BJJA that have failed in providing fair treatment and transparency.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Naz Shah Lab Bradford West

Racism exists within sports across the country and impacts grassroots clubs in marginalised communities, exemplified by Onna Ju-Jitsu club in Bradford West. The club has faced systemic discrimination at national championships, denying competitors of ethnic minority backgrounds their rightful medals and causing them to leave sport without justice.

Other contributors (3)
  • Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme

    The MP supported Naz Shah's concerns about tackling racism in sport and improving representation within decision-making bodies. The MP highlighted a cricket strategy in Greater Manchester aimed at creating inclusive cricket. He agreed that such initiatives play a vital role in tackling inequality and racism, fostering community cohesion.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Sports should be used effectively to bring communities together and must ensure essential funding to clubs to attract people of all backgrounds.

  • My hon. Friend Not provided Not provided

    Discussed the extensive process leading to the continued recognition of the British Ju-Jitsu Association, despite concerns about cultural change.

Government Response

Stephanie Peacock

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

The Minister acknowledged the importance of addressing racism in sport and expressed commitment to stamping it out at all levels. She mentioned meeting with Sport England to discuss specific cases involving national governing bodies such as the British Ju-Jitsu Association. Addressed the conditions imposed on the British Ju-Jitsu Association to ensure cultural change, noting ongoing scrutiny by Sport England. Acknowledged concerns raised about how cases are handled and stated that a review is underway to consider wider factors in recognition criteria.

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