Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Oral Answers to Questions

Graham P Jones Excerpts
Thursday 22nd October 2015

(9 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Whittingdale Portrait Mr Whittingdale
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I have regular discussions with the FA and, unsurprisingly, the subject of the presidency of FIFA comes up frequently. Although the decision on which candidate to support is ultimately a matter for the FA, the Government have made it clear that we expect to see a new FIFA, with a new president who can drive reform and not one tainted by the problems of the past.

Graham P Jones Portrait Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab)
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The Secretary of State says that the issue of FIFA governance has come up regularly in his conversations. Is it not masking the issue in Qatar, where workers continue to die? In the study up to 2013, more than 1,300 people were reported to have died. What representations have the Government made on the humanitarian crisis in that country resulting from the preparations for the World cup in Qatar in 2022?

John Whittingdale Portrait Mr Whittingdale
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I am aware of reports of concerns about the workers who are preparing for the World cup in 2022 in Qatar, but I understand that Qatar has put in place measures to ensure that their welfare is protected. We will no doubt continue to monitor that matter carefully and I will certainly look at any further concerns that have been expressed.