Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has had recent discussions with (a) Sheffield Wednesday FC, (b) Newcastle United FC, (c) Sheffield City Council, (d) the FSA, and (e) the SGSA on the implementation of safety review recommendations at Hillsborough Stadium.

DCMS has remained in contact with the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) in relation to the concerns that were raised by Newcastle United supporters who attended the FA Cup third round tie at Hillsborough Stadium on 7th January 2023.

Local authorities issue safety certificates for relevant football stadia within their boundaries, and are responsible for local engagement and assessment. Sheffield City Council convened a Safety Advisory Group meeting following the concerns raised by Newcastle United supporters.

The minutes from the Safety Advisory Group meeting have been published and Sheffield City Council have taken action and significantly reduced the capacity in the upper and lower West Stands to address the safety concerns that were raised.

The SGSA were engaged throughout this process and have reported this appropriate response back to DCMS.