Football Governance Bill [Lords]

Steve Yemm Excerpts

2nd reading
Monday 28th April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Steve Yemm (Mansfield) (Lab)]

In my constituency, we are lucky to have Mansfield Town as our local club. The Bill will give us an independent football regulator, and new rules to protect our clubs and empower fans. Pro-growth and light-touch, it will help to ensure that all clubs throughout the football pyramid thrive. While football is certainly an incredible sport, full of excitement, it has the power to do more than just provide entertainment. Our local football clubs are often a focal point for our community, and it is important for us to nurture and support that in our constituencies. I am pleased to say that Mansfield Town do just that. I wholeheartedly support their work, which helps to break down barriers to opportunity, and as a local MP, I will do whatever I can to support their civic-minded aspirations. I hope that Mansfield Town will continue to go from strength to strength over the coming years.

I will be proud to vote for a Bill that delivers on our manifesto commitment to establish the independent football regulator and a new set of rules to protect clubs, empower fans, and keep clubs at the heart of their communities. Football would be nothing without its fans, and this strengthened Bill will put them firmly back at the centre of the game. The fans, the board and the management of Mansfield Town football club have told me that they welcome the Government’s commitment to delivering this important legislation, and I thank the Secretary of State for bringing it to the House and giving us all an opportunity to support it.