Culture, Media and Sport

In 2028, UK and Ireland will host the UEFA European football championship. This will be the largest sporting event ever jointly staged between our nations, spreading benefits across the whole of the UK and Ireland. The impact and legacy of the tournament will start far before the first ball is kicked and extend far beyond the final whistle. It will champion the power of football, including its ability to bring people together in stadiums, fan zones and communities across the UK and build cohesive communities.

To enable a safe and successful tournament, the UK Government have confirmed a funding contribution of up to £557 million for planning and delivery costs. This has been benchmarked against best practice in the delivery of major events to ensure it provides value for money, as well as the necessary funding to maximise the benefits of hosting, support host cities, and deliver on our legal obligations. Funding contributions will also be provided by the devolved Governments and Government of Ireland, host cities, and UEFA, which is are primarily responsible for ensuring successful delivery.

As part of this funding, the UK Government will contribute £23 million towards a wider commitment from Government and football partners to a central legacy and impact fund of around £45 million, which will deliver socioeconomic benefits for communities across the UK and Ireland. Following an updated assessment, hosting the tournament is forecast to generate £3.6 billion in socio- economic benefits across the UK and Ireland, with £3.2 billion expected for the UK alone.

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Five years ago the world as we knew it stopped. Covid-19 affected everyone in so many different ways, and many continue to feel those impacts.

Today, the Government have published its official response to the report of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration which sets out a programme of commemorative activity to mark this unique and challenging period in our country’s history. This response has now been presented to both Houses of Parliament.

I want to place on record my thanks to the right hon. the Baroness Morgan of Cotes and all the commissioners for the care and consideration the commission gave to the report and for its ongoing advice as we have carefully reflected on the recommendations. This Government are grateful to the devolved Governments, with whom we have worked closely to ensure that the response to the commission’s reflects the efforts of individuals and groups across the United Kingdom.

The impact of covid-19 on all of our lives will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the many families who suffered the devastating loss of a loved one during this time. As Secretary of State, I have had the privilege of meeting with a number of covid-19 bereaved family groups that have worked closely with us in developing this programme. I have heard at first hand the traumatic impact of not being able to be with their loved one, to hold their hand, to say goodbye.

I pay tribute to the covid-19 bereaved families groups for their tireless voluntary efforts to provide networks of support to help others feel less alone or isolated in their grief, while carrying their own. I am also grateful for their input to the commission and their ongoing work with my Department in developing this programme. As we remember and honour their loss, we are committed to continuing to work together as this programme is delivered.