Hello, welcome to the latest Supporters Direct newsletter,
February 1st is shaping up to be a crucial day for the Trust movement. It has now been confirmed that a debate proposed by Tom Greatrex MP on Football Governance will be held in the morning, from 9.30-11.00.
Following that, don't forget about SD's Parliamentary Reception in Committee Room Five at the Houses of Parliament, from 2pm-4pm the same day.
Full details of both events can be found below. Once again we would ask that you contact your local MP to inform them of the latest developments. Your efforts so far have ensured the presence of over 40 MPs at our reception - many thanks!
In addition to these, tonight (Thursday January 26th) will see an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons entitled 'Government policy on Football Governance and the case of AFC Wimbledon', tabled by Siobhain McDonagh, Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden.
Westminster Hall Debate on Football Governance - February 1st, 9.30-11am
A Westminster Hall debate on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee's report on Football Governance, originally called for 26th January, is now to go ahead on Thursday 1st February; after Tom Greatrex, Labour MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (and former chair of the Fulham Supporters' Trust!), tabled a motion this week.
We would, once more, like to ask you to contact your MP to ask them to participate in this to represent the views of your supporters' trust, and wider movement of football supporters and reformers who are pressing for the changes proposed in the CMS Committee’s report.
We have developed our own responses on licensing, and in particular, structured relationships for all supporters' trusts, which can be viewed by reading our Key Principles for Football Club Licensing in England. Many of the problems experienced by football clubs throughout the pyramid in recent years could have been prevented with a comprehensive licensing system, and the more MPs we can get along to the debate, the more likely we are to achieve lasting reform of the way our game is governed and regulated.
Does your club's story highlight an area where greater regulation is required? Could your problems have been prevented by more robust legislation, as set out in our proposals? Be sure to remind your local MP!
SD Proposed Licensing System, House of Commons reception - 1st February
As mentioned in our last news mail, we also have a reception, kindly sponsored by Jessica Lee MP, where we will promote our Key Principles for Licensing. It will be held at Westminster in Committee Room Five of the House of Commons between 2pm and 4pm, and we would like you to remind your MP not to forget to attend.
Also speaking will be Tom Greatrex MP; Rt Hon Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark; and William Gaillard, Advisor to the President, UEFA.
If you have any questions about either event, please contact Ben Shave, either via email or on 020 7273 1937 / 07985 628 215.
