Racism in Sport

Debate between Baroness Barran and Lord Campbell of Pittenweem

Tuesday 13th July 2021 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

I can only repeat to the noble Baroness that the Government have been absolutely clear that racism is unacceptable online or offline and that we respect people’s choice to condemn racism in whichever way they feel is right.

[Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (LD)]

My Lords, may I ask the Government to consider legislation to the express effect that racism in sport should be an aggravated crime, thereby allowing greater powers in sentencing?

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

The noble Lord will be aware that racism is already an aggravating factor in many crimes. I am happy to take his suggestion back to the department.

Sport Sector: Financial Support

Debate between Baroness Barran and Lord Campbell of Pittenweem

Wednesday 25th November 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

My noble friend is absolutely right about the value of sport in terms of both physical and mental health. Obviously, with cricket being a summer sport, things may look very different next summer, but the current limits of 4,000 outdoor spectators in tier 1 and 2,000 in tier 2 should make a number of these games viable. Obviously, cricket as a sport lends itself to spacing for spectators, and we are truly optimistic that, by the time county cricket restarts, the prospects for normal crowds will be very good.

[Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (LD)]

My Lords, what discussions have the Government had with the officers of the British Olympic Association and UK Sport about the financial implications for both of these bodies if the cancelled Tokyo Olympic Games of 2020 go ahead in 2021?

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

I apologise to the noble Lord, but I will have to write to him in response to his question.

Covid-19: Women’s Sport

Debate between Baroness Barran and Lord Campbell of Pittenweem

Tuesday 30th June 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran]

I think the noble Baroness knows the answer to her question. Of course senior role models are absolutely critical, and we are fortunate to have several in this House, including the noble Baroness, Lady Grey-Thompson, and the noble Baroness, Lady Campbell, with her leadership role in women’s football at the FA. However, we need role models at every level in sport, not just the most elite, and that is part of what we are working on with all the different bodies involved.

[Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (LD) [V]]

The Minister has acknowledged that young sportswomen need opportunities. What financial support are this Government willing to provide to improve these opportunities?

[Baroness Barran]

Particularly in relation to Covid, we have made a generous funding package available. More broadly, we are working with the governing bodies of all sports to make sure that resources are committed to the women’s game and that the positive momentum we have seen in recent years is continued.

Olympic and Paralympic Games 2021

Debate between Baroness Barran and Lord Campbell of Pittenweem

Tuesday 28th April 2020 Lords Chamber

[The Lord Speaker]

Lord Griffiths of Burry Port? Lord Campbell of Pittenweem.

[Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (LD)]

Does the Minister appreciate that not everyone can win medals and that for many competitors the mere fact of selection for the British Olympic team is the high point of their sporting careers? Will support be available for them, not just for those identified as likely medal winners?

[Baroness Barran]

The decisions about where the funding allocation goes are entirely for UK Sport to take, and it takes a number of criteria into account in making those decisions.

Football: Racism

Debate between Baroness Barran and Lord Campbell of Pittenweem

Tuesday 15th October 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran]

My view is that one should always start with oneself; we can all play a part in that leadership. I hear the concern of both the noble and gallant Lord and the right reverend Prelate about what is happening more broadly in our society. I absolutely acknowledge that, but would temper it with the importance of celebrating some of the extraordinary work going on at a local level to bridge those divides, both between faith communities and across other divides. We need to keep some balance in this narrative.

[Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (LD)]

My Lords, to return to the point made by my noble friend Lord Addington, it is generally recognised that UEFA has been pretty spineless in dealing with incidents of this kind. Might I respectfully suggest that the Minister approach her colleague the Minister for Sport and seek a direct audience with UEFA senior officials to encourage them to take exactly the kind of approach to incidents of this kind which public opinion in this country undoubtedly deserves?

[Baroness Barran]

My understanding is that my honourable friend the Minister is writing or has written to UEFA and is open to a meeting if that is what is requested.