Safety at major sporting events

Culture, Media and Sport Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 8 Jul 2022 Closed: 8 Mar 2024 Parliament page
MPs are to examine issues around the safety of spectators at football matches and other major sporting events following the scenes and problems experienced by crowds at recent high-profile games. The DCMS Committee inquiry will consider whether crowd management policies at stadiums in the UK are sufficient to maintain spectator … Read more
14 Recommendations
9 Conclusions
1 Report
4 Oral sessions
1 Letter
4 Events
Activity timeline 11 events
8 Mar
2024
Report published
29 Dec
2023
Report published
14 Mar
2023
Oral evidence
14 Mar
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
19 Jan
2023
Oral evidence
19 Jan
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
22 Nov
2022
Correspondence
8 Nov
2022
Oral evidence
8 Nov
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
25 Oct
2022
Oral evidence
25 Oct
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
14 Mar 2023
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Adam Conant · Department for Culture, Media and Sport Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP · Department for Culture, Media and Sport
19 Jan 2023
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Bob Eastwood · English Football League David Armstrong · Racecourse Association Liam Boylan · Wembley Stadium Phil Davies · England and Wales Cricket Board
8 Nov 2022
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Chief Constable Mark Roberts · National Police Chiefs' Council Martyn Henderson OBE · Sports Grounds Safety Authority Michelle Russell · Security Industry Authority Peter Houghton · Football Safety Officers Association
25 Oct 2022
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Dr Stacey Pope Kevin Miles · Football Supporters' Association Owain Davies · Level Playing Field Professor Clifford Stott MBE Professor Geoff Pearson Tony Burnett · Kick It Out
Title HC No. Published Items Response
First Report - Safety at major sporting events HC 174 29 Dec 2023 23 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
6 results
Clear
2 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Safety at major spo…
Work to foster improved relationships with other governments for policing sporting events.
We recommend that the Government should work to foster improved relationships with other governments on policing sporting events, in order to bolster the role of British police travelling with UK teams and their collaboration with local forces. (Paragraph 20) Policing Read more
Government Response
The government detailed existing mechanisms like the National Football Information Point (NFIP) and UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) that already foster international collaboration and information sharing for policing sporting events. It also noted ongoing learning from past events and collaboration with German counterparts for future championships.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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3 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Safety at major spo…
Ensure passage of the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill this parliamentary session.
The unauthorised entry of ticketless individuals at football matches creates a risk to their safety and the safety of legitimate, paying fans. While such acts are likely already illegal, the lack of a distinct criminal penalty that includes the use … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, confirming it supported the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill at its Second Reading in the House of Commons.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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4 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Safety at major spo…
Sporting bodies' financial contributions to fan safety outside stadiums remain inadequate.
We echo calls for sporting bodies to increase their contribution to the safety of fans outside of the stadium. While direct responsibility, in line with the recommendations of the Casey Review, would require significant changes in policing and event management, … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights the existing National Football Information Point (NFIP) and UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) which collate and distribute intelligence to prevent football-related crime and disorder, implying current structures address fan safety.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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16 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Safety at major spo…
Develop and publish minimum stewarding standards in consultation with major sporting events stakeholders
Stewards, employers and fans would all benefit from clarity on the roles, responsibilities and standards for stewards. We recommend that the Sports Ground Safety Authority should develop and publish minimum expectations for stewarding standards in consultation with all those involved … Read more
Government Response
The government outlined existing standards and a comprehensive plan developed by the SGSA's Working Group to raise stewarding standards in football, funded by the Premier League and EFL. This plan includes improved training, professional development, and a national register for stewards.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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17 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Safety at major spo…
Establish a central training fund for stewards, funded by sporting leagues' revenues
Despite efforts at self-regulation, clubs and governing bodies have failed to set and enforce coherent minimum stewarding standards, to the detriment of the experiences of stewards and the safety of attendees. We recommend that the Government and SGSA should work … Read more
Government Response
The government outlined a comprehensive, £1.5 million, three-year reform package for stewarding in football, funded by the Premier League and EFL. This package includes improved training, professional development, and a national steward register, directly addressing the call for a central training fund and improved standards.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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18 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Safety at major spo…
Mandate local authorities to include diverse perspectives at Safety Advisory Groups.
Safety Advisory Groups are the one major opportunity for sport stakeholders to voice their priorities and concerns for safety at events. It is wrong that any group should have its input restricted, but this too often seems to be the … Read more
Government Response
The government indicated that existing guidance from the Emergency Planning College already recommends a diverse list of stakeholders for Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs), balancing expert advice with flexibility, without mandating further inclusions.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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Government Response AI assessment · 23 of 14 classified
Accepted 6
Accepted in Part 2
Acknowledged 8
Deferred 7
Total 14 recs + 9 conclusions
Correspondence 1 letter
22 Nov 2022 To committee Letter from Martyn Henderson OBE, Chief Executive, Sports Grounds Safety Authority, relating to oral evidence follow-up, 11 November 2022
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