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

To ask Her Majesty's Government how they supporting work to combat racism at football grounds (1) with the English Football League, and (2) more generally.

Racism or any form of discrimination has no place in football or society, and we must confront this vile behaviour.

The Government supports the steps the football authorities, including the English Football League, have taken for the current season to combat discrimination. This included actions targeted at and around football grounds such as: improving reporting systems; providing better training and support for referees and stewards; and improving the quality of CCTV around stadia.

However it is clear there is more to do. The Minister for Sport recently held meetings with both the English Football League and the Football Association in which he discussed their action on discrimination. He has asked the football authorities to report back with a more detailed update about their work on this important issue before considering future government support.