Football Regulation

Nigel Evans Excerpts

Wednesday 8th November 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)]

I just remind the Minister that at 7 o’clock the Whip will once more move the motion for the Adjournment of the House.

[Sir John Whittingdale]

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker.

I do understand the concern expressed by the hon. Member for Sheffield South East (Mr Betts). Certainly, we would not wish to have a system in which the directors decided who they do and do not wish to talk to. It will be part of the licensing requirements that fans are involved. I am sure we will wish to explore that further during the passage of the Bill, but it is certainly the intention that that is one of the conditions for licensing.

We have seen other examples of fans fighting back against their owners to save their clubs at Blackpool, Charlton Athletic and, as we have heard tonight, Reading. That should not have had to happen.