It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Stringer. The number of petition signatures demonstrates the importance of football and sport in general. The Government's goal is to get fans back into stadiums as soon as it is safe. Football clubs are vital to communities across the UK and have supported their local areas during the pandemic. The government has provided extensive financial support for businesses, including sports clubs, through various measures such as tax reliefs, cash grants, employee wage support, business rates relief, and the furlough scheme. Sport England has contributed £210 million in national lottery and Government funding to support sport and physical activity during the pandemic, including a £35 million community emergency fund for sports clubs and exercise centres. The Football Foundation has introduced several funds to help clubs during these difficult times, including the match day support fund, pitch and club preparation funds. The government worked to get elite sports, such as the Premier League, back behind closed doors in June to ensure seasons were completed and revenue could flow again. However, rising infection rates across the country mean that reopening stadiums on 1 October was not feasible due to safety concerns regarding the entire fan journey from home to venue, including travel and contact points. The minister acknowledged challenges but emphasized that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be appropriate. The government is considering different approaches based on what other nations and countries are doing. Financial implications of the decision to delay reopening have been considered and support packages are being discussed with the Treasury. A unique £10 million deal was brokered with the national lottery for 66 clubs in the top two levels of the national league, allowing them to play behind closed doors. Pilots were successful and learning points will inform future decisions. Women's sport prioritisation is a condition for public money recipients. The government will continue working closely with sports entities to understand their latest thinking on returning spectators safely. Significant progress has been made since the pandemic began: elite athletes returned to training, competitive sport resumed behind closed doors, international athletes were welcomed under health protocols, and detailed guidance was set out for the safe return of spectators. The minister addressed various points raised by hon. Members including financial sustainability, loyalty of season ticket holders, distribution of money in football, revenue streams, financial stimulation provided by football to local economies, and owner support. The government is committed to supporting sport and getting spectators back into stadiums as soon as it is safe.