Contributions
972 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Sixth sitting)As I said a moment ago, clause 48 sets out that a relocation can be granted approval only if it does not undermine the financial stability of the club or cause significant harm to…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Sixth sitting)The owners and officers who control and run football clubs are vital for clubs’ sustainability. The regulator therefore needs to know who is running a club behind the scenes, so…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Sixth sitting)As the hon. Gentleman knows, the purpose of the Bill has been tightly focused to feature those particular issues. We have a fine balance to ensure that we do not upset or get into…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Sixth sitting)I can confirm that I am confident. Question put and agreed to. Amendment 23 accordingly agreed to. Clause 54, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill . Clause 55 PART 6:…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fifth sitting)The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right and I give that reassurance. If fans feel that the body that is currently being consulted is not truly representative, the independent…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Sixth sitting)I must say that I almost want to stand up, say what other Members have said and sit down again. I agree with everybody else: I wish we were not at this stage and that there had…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Sixth sitting)Amendment 23 will correct a cross-reference in the Bill, to ensure that clause 54(1)(b) correctly refers to section 24. Clause 54 outlines the circumstances in which a relevant…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Sixth sitting)The heritage of the club will include its home ground. Of course that is part of the description of heritage, so it will come under that aspect. Just selling the club to get a…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fifth sitting)Clause 20 requires the regulator to attach the four mandatory licence conditions to the provisional and full operating licences of all licensed clubs. These are basic and…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fifth sitting)Clearly we have got to the bit that everyone is itching to speak to. Ensuring that new owners and officers of clubs have passed the regulator’s owners and directors tests is a key…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fifth sitting)I think I understand the hon. Gentleman’s question, but my understanding is that that will be looked at on case-by-case basis. I want to ensure that I have exactly the right line…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fifth sitting)The leagues will have to report to the regulator if they are making changes to any of the competition rules—that is a requirement within the legislation. If changes to competition…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Sixth sitting)I understand the point that the hon. Gentleman makes. We have had this conversation several times on the replays, and I understand that point. As I have said before, not drawing…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fifth sitting)My hon. Friend makes an important point. This will be the statutory regulator, and this will be where the reporting will need to happen. If the leagues add anything, it is for…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Fifth sitting)The hon. Lady makes important points. The idea is that as we have a regulator on a statutory footing, which will improve standards, hopefully that will bring football along with…21 May 2024HANSARDFootball Governance Bill (Sixth sitting)The proposed European Super League in 2021 posed an existential threat to the English football pyramid. It was an attempt by a small number of clubs to set up a closed-shop league…21 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)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)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)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 2024