World Cup Ticket Prices

Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway Excerpts

Wednesday 3rd June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

My noble friend Lady Hayman suggested that I get up and just repeat her response to the noble Earl, which was “Yes”, but I will not do that. As well as the World Cup being free to air on terrestrial channels—the BBC and ITV have agreed which matches will be screened and those are free to air, so not reliant on good broadband—there will be a number of fan zones up and down the country if people want that more communal approach. I suggest that it might be a distraction for an organisation such as a jobcentre, even if we want people to get through the door, to screen programmes when their staff are trying to work hard to get people back into work.

[Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway (Lab)]

My Lords, the magnificent parade through Highbury and Holloway on Sunday proved that football can and should be a sport for everyone from every background. But, as we have heard, not just ticket prices but accommodation and travel are pricing out ordinary fans. Will my noble friend the Minister consider encouraging employers to ensure that there is flexibility at work so that, when World Cup matches are held during work time, people have the chance to watch them?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I agree with my noble friend about the parades and, across your Lordships’ House, we all want to congratulate Arsenal on winning the Premier League and offer commiserations on its loss in the Champions League final. Although it is possible for some employers to exercise discretion, it would be a tall order for the Government to say to everyone, including your Lordships’ House, that we should down tools and watch every single match instead of working. But I know that, across the country and across both home countries involved, people are hugely looking forward to the World Cup.