Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if the Government will delegate the decision on when to allow spectators into sports stadia during the covid-19 outbreak to local directors of public health.

The Government continues to engage and consult with health officials as necessary during the Covid-19 pandemic, including the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Chief Scientific Officer (CSA) and local directors of public health

The safety and security of players and spectators remains of paramount importance.

We fully understand the decision not to reopen stadia on October 1 is frustrating for sports fans. But in the face of rising infections and further restrictions it would not have been possible. The decision was taken on advice from the CMO and CSA and takes into account travelling to and from games held in stadia, where there may be further social interaction and the risk of virus spread.

Work continues at pace to find solutions that will allow crowds safely back into stadia as soon as possible and will allow local authorities and stakeholders retain their regulatory and advisory roles that support the running of spectator events.