Labour announces backing for safe standing

Posted: Fri, 08 Jun 2018 08:41

Labour announces backing for safe standing

Labour's Shadow Sports Minister, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP, will announce today that the decision to introduce Safe Standing should be devolved down to clubs, fans and safety authorities.

Last year, Labour pledged that sport must be run in the interests of those who participate in it and love it, not just for a privileged few, giving fans and supporters the opportunity to have a greater say in how their clubs are run.

During the last few months, Labour has consulted with clubs, supporters' clubs and trusts, safety authorities, and leagues to undertake a review of opinions around Safe Standing in football.

At the announcement at Loftus Road Rosena will say:

"We want to give the power to fans, clubs and local safety authorities, to allow for a small area inside a stadium to be designated for Safe Standing. Clubs, fans and local authorities know their stadium far better than anybody in Whitehall - the decision should rest with them.

"This is about safety, the current system isn't working, people are standing in unsafe seated areas, and accidents can happen. We would allow the installation of specialised rail seating where appropriate, or standing in current seated areas where it can be made safe to do so.

"The data and extent of the surveys provided by the EFL and fans groups clearly shows that fans want Safe Standing introduced. Government Ministers have dragged their feet. They have not met with safety authorities in the last two months, they haven't spoken to any supporters groups, and launched a review overnight without giving it any thought.

"Labour's decision is the result of in-depth consultation with football clubs, fans and safety authorities. It's time for change, it's time to back safe standing."

Tags: DCMS, Featured, Football, Safe Standing, Sport, sport policy