Football, its work in communities and its future has been in the agenda in Parliament this week. The week started with a debate about whether fans should be allowed to return to football matches. There was also evidence given by senior football figures and further conversation.

The #LetFansIn conversation has been ongoing for the past few months and 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 on Monday. A full report can be seen here.

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.

On Tuesday, 10 November, there was a conversation in the House of Lords about support for the EFL and the Sports Minister answered questions about fans returning to games. There was also EFL Chair Rick Parry providing oral evidence to the DCMS Select Committee inquiry into sport in our communities. That session can be seen here.