The Football Governance Bill [HL] would establish an independent football regulator and introduce a licensing system for football clubs as part of a new regulatory regime for men’s football in England. The bill is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 13 November 2024.
Football Governance Bill [HL]: HL Bill 41 of 2024–25 (430 KB , PDF)
The Football Governance Bill [HL] 2024–25 is a government bill that would introduce a new regulatory regime for men’s football in England, particularly the top five tiers (from the Premier League to the National League). The bill defines its key purpose as protecting and promoting the sustainability of English football. Changes proposed in the bill include:
The legislation is a Labour manifesto commitment. However, a similar bill was introduced by the previous Conservative government in the last session (this bill fell due to the general election). The general proposals have cross-party support. It also follows several government papers and reviews initiated by the previous Conservative government to develop the policy, including consultation with fan groups and other stakeholders.
The changes have been proposed in the context of concerns over the financial sustainability of football (resulting in the collapse or near-collapse of some clubs), ownership models and possible breakaway leagues. Bodies such as the English Football League and the Football Supporters’ Association have championed the proposals in the bill. However, the Premier League has expressed concerns about how it might impact investment and competitiveness.
Football Governance Bill [HL]: HL Bill 41 of 2024–25 (430 KB , PDF)
Concerns have been raised about the state of the opera sector in England, with much of this focused on the financial pressures it is facing. Some institutions face reductions in Arts Council funding and, taken together with increasing costs, this has led to cuts in performances and concerns about the sector’s future viability. Concerns have also been raised about diversity and equality across opera, including in audiences and the workforce.
Academic research suggests that mobile phones in schools can adversely affect pupils’ educational attainment and contribute to problems such as bullying. But some experts point to potential learning benefits and argue that a blanket ban on phones could prove ineffective and counterproductive. Government guidance discourages the use of phones in schools but defers to school leaders on prohibiting their use. Most schools in England already have policies limiting the use of phones.
In February 2024 the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee published a report on large language models and generative AI. It highlighted the opportunities and risks this technology offers, and recommended actions the government should take to support the market while mitigating risks. The new government has said it will legislate to address safety risks arising from generative AI.
