Lords Debate Committee Report on Grassroots Sport and the EU
9 November 2011
On Thursday 10 November the House of Lords debated grassroots sports policy following findings by the Lords European Union Committee that the EU could benefit from using sporting policy as a way of delivering objectives across a wide spectrum of areas.
- Report: Grassroots Sport and the European Union
- Goverment Response: Grassroots Sport and the European Union
- European Commission Response: Grassroots Sport and the European Union
- Transcript of Debate: Grassroots Sport and the European Union
Baroness Young of Hornsey (Crossbench), the Chair of the Committee, who opened the debate, said:
“As London and the UK gear up for the 2012 Olympics, I am delighted to have the opportunity to debate the findings of our report. During our inquiry, we heard evidence that the UK and EU could use sports policy as a powerful and effective tool to deliver their objectives in other areas.
“With current concerns about obesity and lack of exercise high on every government’s agenda, we think that helping grassroots sports clubs and activities to cut through regulation and make it easier to participate will go a long way to encouraging more adults and young people across Europe to take part in sporting activities.”
The debate started at 4.25 p.m. and included contributions from:
- Baroness Grey-Thompson (Crossbench), former Paralympian with an active interest in sports
- Baroness Scott of Needham Market (Liberal Democrat), member of the Lords Social Policies and Consumer Protection EU Sub-Committee
- Earl of Courtown (Conservative), member of the Lords Social Policies and Consumer Protection EU Sub-Committee
Baroness Garden of Frognal (Liberal Democrat) will respond on behalf of the Government.