Sports minister Stephanie Peacock has said “it is no surprise that there continues to be a loud minority seeking to derail the debate, promote untruths and preserve the status quo” as the Football Governance Bill progresses through Parliament.

The Football Governance Bill was tabled by the last Government with cross-party support and featured in the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative manifestos.

The Bill is currently being debated in the Lords although some Conservatives are now tying themselves in knots trying to find reasons why an idea their party supported during the election campaign is now a threat to the game.

Baroness Brady has been a particularly vocal opponent of the Bill.

Minister for Sport's statement in full

As Minister for Sport, I am proud that this Government is on the side of football fans. That's why we have brought forward legislation to protect football clubs, give supporters a greater say in how they are run, and safeguard the long term financial sustainability of the game.
The Football Governance Bill is a key piece of legislation which continues to receive widespread support among football fans, their clubs, and politicians of all colours. And everyone knows why it is needed. From the many clubs that have been faced with financial ruin, to the fallout from the European Super League, the case for reform is clear.
However, with change coming, it is no surprise that there continues to be a loud minority seeking to derail the debate, promote untruths and preserve the status quo. We have repeatedly said that this historic Bill will deliver a light touch Independent Football Regulator.
This body will be tasked with improving club finances, ensuring sustainability across the leagues and safeguarding things like club colours and badges for future generations of fans. Throughout the entire process fans, clubs and the football authorities have helped develop this legislation. In 2024 alone, over 230 stakeholder meetings took place with Ministers and officials, the majority of those coming after Labour's general election win.
Over the coming days, the next stages will get underway in the Lords. Whilst some peers have been constructive, many have put forward amendments that are cynically designed to dither, delay and block its progress, which could see more clubs put in at risk.
I know that the sight of unelected Tory Peers lining up to oppose a Bill that puts fans back at the heart of the game will sicken many supporters. Suggestions made in the media recently around the impact of the Bill and Regulator simply don't add up.
Tenuous claims that the cost of regulation will impact things like a club's academy development, and by default its long term success, are simply wrong and offensive. Similarly, the arguments against regulating parachute payments just don't make any sense.
Football is one of the Great British success stories, and far from weakening our game as some try to have us believe, the Football Governance Bill will help strengthen the game's foundations, protect clubs and most importantly their fans who are the heart of the game, for generations to come.

PL club bosses “promote untruth to preserve status quo”