Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what support they provide for the development of chess to (1) schools, (2) communities, and (3) the English Chess Federation, given (a) the social and cognitive benefits that game brings, and (b) its increased popularity since the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Government recognises the well-established social and cognitive benefits of playing chess, and is pleased to see its increased popularity. While the Department for Culture, Media and Sport does not provide any direct support to the English Chess Federation specifically, we are supportive of all programmes which could extend these benefits to more people, including the work of the English Chess Federation and other chess charities which have successfully promoted the game of chess across the country.

The charity Chess in Schools & Communities, for example, provides chess equipment, software and lessons to state primary schools in England and Wales. Its aim is to promote the educational and social benefits of playing chess and to organise chess events which encourage mass participation. As well as partnering with over 900 schools across the UK, it has also worked successfully with local authorities to empower whole communities through chess, and has established a growing network of chess clubs in libraries.