Today the Foxes Trust received the following press release from Leicester South MP and Foxes Trust member Peter Soulsby.
17 September 2007 – For immediate use
MP calls for Sports Minister to open debate on safe-standing at football grounds
Leicester South MP Peter Soulsby is renewing his call for a public debate on whether safe-standing areas should be introduced into football grounds. Earlier this year Peter Soulsby met local football supporters and backed calls for consideration to be given to proposals to introduce safe areas for spectators to stand.
The MP, whose constituency includes the Walkers Stadium, has signed a Parliamentary motion calling for the Government to enter into a meaningful dialogue with supporters’ organizations, the FA, Premier League and football clubs on this issue. Foxes supporter Peter Soulsby has now written to the Sports Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe MP, urging him to give consideration to this. The MP signed Early Day Motion 101 which states:
That this House urges the Government to re-examine the case for introducing small, limited sections of safe standing areas at football grounds; further urges the Government to recognise that there is widespread support for such areas, and that improvements in stadium design and technology mean that with rigorous safety specifications standing areas could be safely re-introduced; and calls on the Minister concerned to convene a meeting of representatives of the police, supporters, Premier League clubs and the Football Licensing Authority to find a way forward.
Peter Soulsby MP said……
“Crowd safety is naturally the number one issue but with modern developments in stadium design and crowd policing I believe we should be looking to explore the possibility of introducing safe-standing areas. Many supporters are demanding this and I believe the Government and the football authorities should be listening to these concerns and enter into a proper dialogue. Local supporters in Leicester have told me they would support the re-introduction of standing areas at grounds and I want their voice to be heard.”
Steven Powell, director of policy & campaigns for the Football Supporters’ Federation, added:
“More power to Sir Peter’s elbow for listening to the football supporters’ amongst his constituents. Leicester City supporters clearly want the choice to sit or stand in safety. We hope that Sir Peter’s intervention, along with that of many other MPs, will help get a common sense solution to this problem. Football supporters deserve to be treated as grown-ups. Here’s one MP who clearly agrees.”
—-End of Press Release—–
The Foxes Trust is currently carrying out a survey on Safe Standing which has already been sent out to current Trust members with the latest newsletter, if you would like to complete the survey then please request a copy by e-mailing [email protected]