Mentions:
1: Stuart Andrew (Con - Pudsey) I wish to inform both Houses that the Government have today introduced the Football Governance Bill - Speech Link
Mentions:
1: Stephanie Peacock (Lab - Barnsley East) I have a question for the Minister on behalf of the Football Supporters’ Association, which pointed out - Speech Link
2: Ian Byrne (Lab - Liverpool, West Derby) If the Minister is not prepared to accept the amendment, which would allow supporters, local stakeholders - Speech Link
3: Ian Byrne (Lab - Liverpool, West Derby) ”, which caused absolute outrage among Liverpool and Everton supporters and market traders. - Speech Link
Asked by: Dowey, Sharon (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party - South Scotland)
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its policy of "working closely with the football authorities and clubs…to address unacceptable conduct by spectators", what its position is on whether the booing that was heard during the minute's silence at the Celtic v Aberdeen match held on 12 November 2023 was "unacceptable conduct", and what discussions it has had with (a) Celtic FC and (b) the Scottish Football Association regarding this.
Answered by Brown, Siobhian - Minister for Victims and Community Safety
We routinely speak to the Scottish footballing authorities on wide a range of topics, including the behaviour of fans. It should be noted that the majority of supporters across the country go to football to support their team in a safe and responsible manner and that incidents, such as booing during commemorative events, are the actions of a minority. Nevertheless we condemn such actions.
As this match falls under the auspices of the Scottish Professional Football League, it is for them to investigate any incidents and take any appropriate actions against the clubs. Any individuals identified as engaging in criminal behaviour during these investigations will be reported to the police. We have not spoken to either Celtic FC, the Scottish FA or the SPFL about this specific incident.
Clubs are taking action when they can and we welcome the decision by Celtic to ban sections of their fans who, despite numerous requests by the club, continued to demonstrate anti-social behaviour. We would support other clubs in taking similar actions where appropriate.
Asked by: Christian Wakeford (Labour - Bury South)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps he is taking to support community-led regeneration projects in (a) areas facing economic deprivation and (b) other areas in Bury South constituency.
Answered by Jacob Young - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
So far, the £150 million Community Ownership Fund has awarded £71.4 million of funding to 257 projects across the UK. This includes £260k to rebuild the Whitefield Bowling Club in Bury South so it can continue to host the club, serve as a hub and meeting space for community groups and provide much needed community services.
Bury Community Football Club Supporters Society was awarded £1 million in 2021 through the Community Ownership Fund, allowing the stadium to be purchased and brought back into use as a home for Bury FC and as a focal point for community life and events.
Government Response Dec. 01 2023
Committee: International Agreements CommitteeFound: engagement between police, organisers, local authorities, licensing authorities, local communities and supporters
Asked by: Stephen Morgan (Labour - Portsmouth South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking with rail providers to help ensure railway timetables meet the requirements of football supporters on match days.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
I have been clear that the current, sustained poor performance on the railway is unacceptable, and industry needs to make significant improvements to deliver the punctual, reliable services that passengers and taxpayers deserve.
Through the Department’s National Rail Contracts, there is a direct link between punctuality and reliability and the fee operators receive to incentivise improved performance.
My officials and I monitor the situation closely and hold industry to account – I review performance on a weekly basis and hold regular high-level meetings with both Network Rail and representatives from the train operators.
Mar. 26 2024
Source Page: Culture Secretary to drive forward growth of women’s sportFound: Frazer to bring momentum to delivery of recommendations made in Karen Carney MBE’s Review of Women’s Football
Mentions:
1: Philip Davies (Con - Shipley) Is this problem unique to football? - Speech Link
2: Kevin Brennan (Lab - Cardiff West) I have spoken to the Football Supporters Association about this Bill, and it is concerned about any legislation - Speech Link
3: Kevin Brennan (Lab - Cardiff West) The intention is not to criminalise fans or create barriers to genuine supporters enjoying the game; - Speech Link
4: Alex Norris (LAB - Nottingham North) Supporters Association, which does such good work, to ensure that interventions are proportionate. - Speech Link
5: Tom Tugendhat (Con - Tonbridge and Malling) In practice, “designated football matches” really means elite football matches. - Speech Link
Dec. 11 2023
Source Page: Details of loans made to Scottish football clubs: FOI releaseFound: Details of loans made to Scottish football clubs: FOI release