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Grassroots Cricket Clubs
16 December 2025
Lead MP
Andrew Lewin
Welwyn Hatfield
Lab
Responding Minister
Stephanie Peacock
Tags
Taxation
Word Count: 12757
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Andrew Lewin raised concerns about grassroots cricket clubs in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Minister should encourage more private schools to open up their sports facilities and help build new indoor cricket domes, especially in urban areas where opportunities are limited.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Grassroots cricket is a quintessential part of English life and community, contributing positively to society through its recreational and social benefits. Over 2.5 million people played cricket last year, with nearly 3,000 girls’ teams participating, showing growing diversity in the sport. However, facilities are not always accessible to everyone as many top cricket grounds are at private schools.
Andrew Lewin
Lab
Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Reflected on the highlights from each speech, congratulated MPs for their contributions, discussed the impact of climate change on cricket clubs, praised the talent in various regions, and thanked the Minister for her commitment to grassroots cricket.
Andy MacNae
Lab
Rossendale and Darwen
Discussed the historical significance of cricket clubs in his constituency, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these clubs as vital community centres. Highlighted successful local initiatives like Darwen's new club house and cricket dome.
Baggy Shanker
Lab/Co-op
Derby South
Mr. Shanker intervened to mention the work of the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation in nurturing cricket from a grassroots level.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Grassroots cricket clubs play a fundamental role in shaping individuals, contributing significantly to quality of life by fostering resilience and confidence. Dr Pinkerton highlights the importance of welcoming environments for girls and boys, emphasizing outreach initiatives like ECB’s All Stars cricket programme.
Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Made a point regarding broadcasting revenue for cricket clubs.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Highlighted the importance of grassroots cricket clubs in his constituency and agreed that the Government should support these institutions.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr. Shannon spoke about the benefits of grassroots cricket in Northern Ireland and highlighted clubs under the Northern Cricket Union that offer youth and adult programmes, emphasizing their role in fostering social cohesion and personal development. Provided examples of local community clubs and requested engagement with Northern Ireland counterparts.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
The MP congratulates the hon. Member for securing an important debate on cricket equity and accessibility, expressing confidence in the England men’s cricket team's resurgence during the Ashes series. Clubs are desperate for support, with many facing significant challenges due to rising maintenance costs. The proposal to remove Sport England as a statutory consultee is concerning.
Melanie Onn
Lab
Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Ms. Onn emphasized the importance of grassroots cricket clubs, mentioning the struggles faced by Grimsby Town Cricket Club due to flooding and slow responses from Anglian Water. Highlighted concerns about flood damage affecting sports facilities, requesting support from Sport England.
Esher and Walton
Grassroots cricket clubs are essential for community integration, highlighted by Thames Ditton cricket club welcoming the Afghan refugee community.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Highlighted the importance of indoor cricket facilities, particularly for young disabled people, and praised funding from Lord’s Taverners to make cricket inclusive at a grassroots level.
Olly Glover
LD
Didcot and Wantage
Emphasised the role of cricket in bringing diverse communities closer together and called for more central government support for grassroots clubs.
Preet Kaur Gill
Lab/Co-op
Birmingham Edgbaston
Stressed the need for stronger protections and greater support for communities to safeguard and run their own cricket facilities, citing an example from her constituency.
Robin Swann
SF
South Antrim
Discussed the deep roots of cricket in Northern Ireland, mentioning Muckamore cricket club's achievements over its 150-year history. Highlighted the club’s social and community roles, including intergenerational connections. Asked about engaging with counterparts in relation to sports facilities.
Shockat Adam
Lab
Leicester South
Addressed concerns about funding commitments, particularly regarding cricket facilities.
North Norfolk
Liberal Democrats support widening access to cricket, ensuring that becoming an England cricketer is equally accessible for all young people. The party proposes allowing one ODI and one test match to be free-to-air annually to inspire more young players. Discussed the importance of broadcasting and its impact on community engagement with sports.
Bath
Cricket is not a well-known sport in Germany but Wera Hobhouse speaks about the challenges faced by grassroots clubs, including under-representation of state school children on talent pathways and high costs of equipment. She also highlights the success of Lansdown cricket club's partnerships with local schools. Discussed disparities and statistics related to class disparity, urging the government to increase opportunities for state school children.
Government Response
Stephanie Peacock
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Government Response
Acknowledges the importance of grassroots cricket clubs to communities across the country. Refers to specific examples in constituencies including Welwyn Hatfield, Esher and Walton, and Barnsley South. Acknowledged the points raised by MPs and detailed government efforts to support grassroots sports clubs through various initiatives. Highlighted investments in cricket facilities, teacher training programmes, and women’s cricket development. Emphasised the role of volunteers and community hubs, with a focus on inclusivity and diversity. Proudly announced the Government’s investment in new cricket domes, additional funding from Sport England, and plans for the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026. Emphasised the importance of protecting playing fields through planning reforms and encouraged MPs to contribute to ongoing consultations.
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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.