Contributions
972 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)I agree with the hon. Member for Luton South about the independence of the football regulator; we were really careful to ensure that as we drafted the Bill. She is right that we…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)The hon. Gentleman tempts me to get drawn into an area of further expansion. I understand his point. I have never in my entire life been stopped by so many people to talk to me…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)I never thought I would get into a discussion about class when talking about this Bill. My view is that football is there for everybody, and I absolutely recognise the roots of it…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)On the hon. Lady’s points, the term “sustainability” is used in the purposes and not again in its objectives. Our advice from the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel said that…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)We have had this discussion many times, and I look forward to further debate on this as we go through the Bill. The hon. Gentleman will know that we also have provisions in the…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)I recognise the intent behind the amendments, which is to add further groups to the list of persons the regulator should co-operate and proactively and constructively engage with.…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)I absolutely recognise that issues such as ticket pricing are really important to fans. Indeed, match days, as others have said, would not be what they are without the fans. The…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)We are committed to establishing the regulator as fast as possible post the passing of the Bill. To that end, we are building the regulator in shadow form within the Department…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)My hon. Friend has got it exactly right and articulated it extremely well. We recognise that that is the challenge football has with the obligations it must match with the likes…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)The Government recognise the intent behind the amendments, which is to make certain that the board is free from conflicts of interest—not least given the fact that so many of the…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)I absolutely want to assure the hon. Lady about independence. It is essential that the regulator can deliver its regime free from any undue influence from industry or Government.…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)The clause sets out the regulator’s objectives, which are its primary aims and also the limits of its statutory remit. As clause 7 sets out, the regulator may only act if the…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)The clause requires the regulator to report annually to Parliament on its activities for that year. As with all public bodies, the regulator must arrange for the report to be laid…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)I understand the hon. Lady’s point. I do feel confident, and I am trying to make this as clear as possible, that I cannot envisage why the regulator, where there is an issue that…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)Absolutely, and we will come to that later in the Bill. I take on board the point made by the hon. Member for Barnsley East about the health regulator, for example. We do not need…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)Yes, I have been very clear that the regulator must have regard to statements from the Secretary of State but is not compelled to follow them entirely. That is an important…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)The regulatory principles outlined in this clause are designed to guide the regulator to exercise its functions appropriately and in the manner intended by Parliament. They are…16 May 2024HANSARDGambling Measures Consultation: ResponseI wish to inform the House that His Majesty’s Government will today publish their response to the consultation on measures relating to the land-based gambling sector. This will…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)I thank the hon. Lady for her opening comments. She will know from our engagement that we centre fans in the whole of the Bill’s process. She is right that as we go through…16 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fourth sitting)It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship this afternoon, Sir Christopher. I thank members of the Committee for their time and commitment, and I thank all the officials…16 May 2024