← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Professional Cycling: Free-to-air Coverage
05 March 2025
Lead MP
Ben Obese-Jecty
Huntingdon
Con
Responding Minister
Stephanie Peacock
Tags
No tags
Word Count: 4274
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Ben Obese-Jecty raised concerns about professional cycling: free-to-air coverage in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
The Minister for Sport
Tonia Antoniazzi
Supported hosting cycling events and recognised the impact of TV costs on viewers.
Government Response
Stephanie Peacock
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Government Response
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.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.