🎭 Oral Answers to Questions

• Video Games Industry Support:
  • The government has noted challenges in the video games industry and is supporting it with a £5.5 million UK Games Fund for next year and a video games expenditure credit.
  • Concerns were raised about the competitiveness of UK tax relief rates which have fallen below those of Ireland, France, Australia, and Canada. The government is reviewing its tax relief policy to address these concerns.
• Television Industry in Wales:
  • The government is supporting the thriving TV industry in Wales, including the broadcaster S4C and local production facilities like Dragon Studios.
  • There are ongoing efforts to improve digital infrastructure in areas such as Caerfyrddin, where broadband availability is lower than average, to ensure continued access to television services.
• Electronic Travel Authorisations and Tourism:
  • The government aims to reach a target of 50 million international visitors by 2030. Concerns were raised about a proposed increase in electronic travel authorisation fees potentially reducing tourist numbers.
  • Suggestions were made for an agreement with the EU to facilitate easier travel, which could help meet the tourism target.
• Financial Sustainability of Football Clubs:
  • The government has introduced the Football Governance Bill to establish an independent football regulator to improve financial sustainability across English football clubs.
  • Specific support was mentioned for lower league clubs like AFC Wulfrunians in Wolverhampton West, with investments through Sport England and grassroots facilities.
• Grassroots Sport Clubs and Facilities:
  • The government is investing £250 million annually through Sport England to support grassroots sports clubs and facilities.
  • Additional £123 million has been committed to the multi-sport grassroots facilities programme across the UK, helping upgrade facilities and support clubs like Sutton United and Thorne Colliery.
• Support for Creative Industries:
  • The creative industries are a priority with West Yorkshire designated as a creative industries priority region with devolved funding.
  • Support includes an £85 million Arts Everywhere fund for infrastructure like the Generator in Loughborough and initiatives like Bradford 2025, the UK city of culture.
• Small Theatres and Performing Arts Venues:
  • An £85 million fund has been announced for capital funding to support cultural infrastructure, including small theatres and venues.
  • The government is encouraging community groups to take over venues at risk of closure, like in Cannock Chase.
• Formula 1 75th Anniversary:
  • The government has recognised the 75th anniversary of Formula 1 and its significant economic and cultural impact on the UK.
  • Efforts are underway to increase diversity in the sport, including more women and people from diverse backgrounds.
• Youth and National Youth Strategy:
  • Plans were announced for a national youth strategy, marking it the first in over a decade, aimed at engaging young people nationwide.
  • An £85 million Better Youth Spaces fund is being allocated to create welcoming spaces for young people.
• Church of England Rural Parishes:
  • The Church of England acknowledges the vital role of rural parishes in community life and is considering ways to provide more financial support for maintaining historic church buildings.
• Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme:
  • The scheme has been extended until March 2026, but concerns were raised about the £25,000 VAT relief cap, which may not support larger projects. There are calls for a long-term funding solution.
• Contribution of Cathedrals to Local Economies:
  • Research indicates that cathedrals contribute around £235 million to local economies annually through visitor spending.
  • There’s a push for a new funding initiative similar to the first world war centenary cathedral repairs fund to support ongoing maintenance and economic benefits.
• Church of Scotland and Declining Congregations:
  • The Church of England is in dialogue with the Church of Scotland to share best practices in managing parishes and small congregations facing declining attendance.
• Support for the Diocese of Jerusalem:
  • Amid the challenging situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the Church continues to provide support to the diocese through prayer, financial assistance, and advocacy.
• Legislative Protections for Church Organs:
  • There is a suggestion for specific legislative protections for significant church organs to ensure they are preserved when churches become redundant.
• Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal:
  • Preparatory work for the restoration of the Palace of Westminster includes design work and project management. Three delivery options are being developed, with a decision expected by the end of 2025.
  • Extensive engagement with parliamentary staff has been undertaken to ensure their input in the project.
• Electoral Commission and Strategy and Policy Statement:
  • The Electoral Commission remains opposed to a government-imposed strategy and policy statement, viewing it as undermining its independence.
  • Efforts are ongoing to improve voter participation, particularly among overseas British citizens.
• Appointment of New Archbishop of Canterbury:
  • The process for appointing a new Archbishop of Canterbury is underway, with a public consultation open until March 28.
  • Emphasis was placed on the need for the appointee to be free from any safeguarding failure involvement to restore public trust.

The session displayed a moderate level of disagreement among the members of parliament. Here are the key points and examples that contribute to this rating:

1. Video Games Industry: There was a moderate disagreement on the support and competitive edge of the video games industry. Dame Caroline Dinenage expressed concerns about the UK losing its competitive edge in the video games sector due to tax relief rates being lower than competitors like Ireland, France, Australia, and Canada. Lisa Nandy acknowledged the global slowdown and defended the government’s efforts in supporting the industry, but there was a clear expression of concern and call for additional action from the Treasury.

   Example: - “Our tax relief rates have dropped below those of Ireland, France, Australia and Canada—all our biggest competitors in this sector. What is the Secretary of State doing to really push the Treasury to ensure that our video games expenditure credits and everything else are up to date so that we retain our competitive edge in this vital sector?”

2. Electronic Travel Authorisations: There was noticeable disagreement regarding the impact of electronic travel authorisation fees on tourism. Liz Jarvis cited the Home Office’s impact assessment, which suggested a potential loss of revenue and tourists due to increased fees, and questioned the effectiveness of current policy in achieving the 50 million visitor target. Chris Bryant responded optimistically but did not directly address the concern about increased fees.

   Example: - “The Home Office’s own impact assessment of the 60% increase in electronic travel authorisation fees concluded that it could reduce the number of tourists wanting to come here and result in a loss of revenue to the wider economy of £734.7 million over five years.”

3. Football Governance Bill: There were hints of disagreement on the Football Governance Bill. Yuan Yang mentioned delays and opposition comments from the Leader of the Opposition, while Lisa Nandy emphasized the government’s commitment and criticized opposition. James Wild raised concerns about the regulator’s scope and the government’s engagement with football clubs.

   Example: - “Like her, I was appalled by the Leader of the Opposition’s comments. The independent football regulator began life under the last Government; it was in the Conservative manifesto, it was in our manifesto, and we were elected to deliver it on behalf of millions of football fans.”

4. Grassroots Sports Facilities: Disagreement surfaced when Stuart Andrew questioned the current government’s support for grassroots sport facilities, comparing it unfavorably to previous investments and pointing out programme cancellations. Stephanie Peacock highlighted the current year’s investments without directly addressing the criticisms of discontinued programs.

   Example: - “One year ago today, I announced that the Conservative Government were investing a further £120 million into the multi-sport grassroots facilities programme for that year…Today, the Minister has claimed that it is this Government who are making that same investment.”

5. AI and Copyright: Stuart Andrew expressed significant concerns about the government’s approach to AI and copyright, citing industry dissatisfaction. Lisa Nandy defended the government’s ongoing efforts and suggested flaws in the previous government’s handling of the issue, indicating a disagreement on policy effectiveness and strategy.

   Example: - “Almost the entirety of those in the creative sector say that Government proposals are not fit for purpose. They would allow AI companies to scrape content without creators getting paid.”

Despite these disagreements, the session did not escalate into significant confrontations or heated exchanges. There were clear differences in opinion and occasional criticisms, but discussions typically maintained a professional tone, with counterarguments rather than aggressive disputes. The disagreements were primarily policy-focused rather than personal, contributing to a middle rating of 3 for disagreement.