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

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the administrators of Derby County Football Club on ensuring a swift resolution to the ongoing administration.

The Government continues to engage on a regular basis with the English Football League and the administrator 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 four-week extension to Derby County FC and its administrators to demonstrate proof of funding through to the end of the season. This extension must now be used to ensure a suitable outcome is reached and the government has made this point to the EFL and administrators.

The Government welcomes the findings of the Fan Led Review and has endorsed in principle the primary recommendation of the review, that football requires a strong, independent regulator to secure the future of our national game. The Government will now consider the detail of all the recommendations, including those made on ensuring future financial stability, and work at pace to determine the most effective way to deliver an independent regulator, and any powers that might be needed.