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

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assistance her Department is providing in negotiations between Derby County FC and the English Football League on the future of that club.

The Government continues to engage closely with the English Football League about Derby County Football Club. Ultimately, it is for the EFL, the administrator and the club to resolve issues to ensure the survival of Derby County FC, but the government has urged pragmatism from all parties to find a solution for the benefit of fans and the community that the club serves. The EFL must equally preserve the integrity of the league on behalf of all member clubs, but all parties want to see one of the founding members of the Football League continue this season and beyond under appropriate ownership.

It is positive that the EFL has granted a 4 week extension to Derby County FC and its administrators to demonstrate proof of funding through to the end of the season. The extension is a vital lifeline for the survival of the club and the opportunity shouldn't be squandered. I am in regular contact with the EFL and administrators about the club's future. Derby County is a proud club with a long history, and this additional time must be utilised to ensure a suitable outcome is reached, with the interests of Derby County's fans in mind.