A debate was held in Parliament yesterday about whether fans should be allowed to return to football matches. The #LetFansIn conversation has been ongoing for the past few months a parliamentary petition calling for supporters to have access to matches attracted almost 200,000 signatures. That meant it was discussed by MPs in Westminster Hall yesterday.

Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston, and Ruth Cadbury, who represents Brentford and Isleworth, both spoke in the debate. This is the second time in recent weeks our two local representatives have spoken for the need for a plan for the return of fans to matches and there has been a letter from the football authorities calling for a timeline. Brentford FC has held events inside our new stadium with fans watching streams of away matches but these are on hold due to a change in restrictions on movement.

The Petitions Committee debate in Westminster Hall on the motion “That this House has considered e-petition 552036, relating to spectator attendance at football matches during Covid-19” can be seen below. Jonathan Gullis, a member of the Petitions Committee, opened the debate. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport sent a Minister to respond.

This morning, Tuesday 10 November, EFL Chair Rick Parry will provide oral evidence to the DCMS Select Committee inquiry into sport in our communities. Evidence is also to be provided by Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Masters, and Chair of The FA, Greg Clarke.