To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, further to the answer to WPQ 14794 received on 8th July, what estimate he has made of the cash amount of his Department's funding contribution to the Department for Education for the Primary PE and Sport Premium, and the...

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, further to the answer to WPQ 14794 received on 8th July, what estimate he has made of the cash amount of his Department's funding contribution to the Department for Education for the Primary PE and Sport Premium, and the...

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that disabled people who are unable to walk outdoors, but who undertake other forms of physical activity, are able to participate in the NHS fitness rewards scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that disabled people who are unable to walk outdoors, but who undertake other forms of physical activity, are able to participate in the NHS fitness rewards scheme.

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of interactive AI technologies to support physical activity and wellbeing among children.

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of interactive AI technologies to support physical activity and wellbeing among children.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of his Department’s contribution to the Department for Education to support exercise and other health-related activity in schools in (i) 2023/4, (ii) 2024/5, (iii) 2025/6 and (iv) 2026/7.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of his Department’s contribution to the Department for Education to support exercise and other health-related activity in schools in (i) 2023/4, (ii) 2024/5, (iii) 2025/6 and (iv) 2026/7.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the government has modelled the net fiscal effect of a reduced rate of VAT on fitness services compared to the reduction in NHS and public costs associated with physical inactivity.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the government has modelled the net fiscal effect of a reduced rate of VAT on fitness services compared to the reduction in NHS and public costs associated with physical inactivity.

Main estimates 2026-27. Second estimates day (part one). Motion that, for the year ending with 31 March 2027, for expenditure by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport: (1) further resources, not exceeding £3,862,598,000, be authorised for use for current purposes as set out in HC 1855 of Session 2024–26, (2) further resources, not exceeding £618,275,000, be authorised for use for capital purposes as so set out, and (3) a further sum, not exceeding £3,572,620,000, be granted to His Majesty to be issued by the Treasury out of the Consolidated Fund and applied for expenditure on the use of resources authorised by Parliament. Question deferred. Resolved.

Main estimates 2026-27. Second estimates day (part one). Motion that, for the year ending with 31 March 2027, for expenditure by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport: (1) further resources, not exceeding £3,862,598,000, be authorised for use for current purposes as set out in HC 1855 of Session 2024–26,...

I thank the Backbench Business Committee. I am conscious of time, so I will focus my remarks on the Select Committee’s “Game On” report, which looked at community and school sport, and the Government response published last week.

The evidence was unequivocal: an active nation underpins everything else—our health, our prosperity,...

I thank the Backbench Business Committee. I am conscious of time, so I will focus my remarks on the Select Committee’s “Game On” report, which looked at community and school sport, and the Government response published last week.

The evidence was unequivocal: an active nation underpins everything else—our health, our prosperity,...

Young people are our future. They are the future politicians, technicians, writers, sportspeople, physiotherapists or whatever they want to be. The laws, policies and funding that we put forward must help in building their future. We must invest in them, inspire them, and give them the tools and skills for...

Young people are our future. They are the future politicians, technicians, writers, sportspeople, physiotherapists or whatever they want to be. The laws, policies and funding that we put forward must help in building their future. We must invest in them, inspire them, and give them the tools and skills for...

I recently read Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning”, which is a powerful account of life in a concentration camp. There is a poignant part of that book where victims and concentration camp prisoners, talking to each other at the end of the day when they could barely keep their...

I recently read Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning”, which is a powerful account of life in a concentration camp. There is a poignant part of that book where victims and concentration camp prisoners, talking to each other at the end of the day when they could barely keep their...

As we have this debate about budgets and the figures being spent on sport, one key question keeps leaping out. As has been said by colleagues, we know that sport and physical activity is one of the things that can best maintain good health and prevent ill health. However, when...

As we have this debate about budgets and the figures being spent on sport, one key question keeps leaping out. As has been said by colleagues, we know that sport and physical activity is one of the things that can best maintain good health and prevent ill health. However, when...

As the hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Andy MacNae) just said, sports participation underpins so much for young people, building character and resilience, acting in favour of good mental health and tackling obesity. Into old age, too, staying active has huge benefits, as I was discussing just this weekend...

As the hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Andy MacNae) just said, sports participation underpins so much for young people, building character and resilience, acting in favour of good mental health and tackling obesity. Into old age, too, staying active has huge benefits, as I was discussing just this weekend...

Many colleagues have spoken about the importance of sports, activity and physical health, and how it is not just a nice to have or an add-on, but something that is absolutely vital if we are to deliver our goals, particularly on creating a healthier ageing population and a healthier population...

Many colleagues have spoken about the importance of sports, activity and physical health, and how it is not just a nice to have or an add-on, but something that is absolutely vital if we are to deliver our goals, particularly on creating a healthier ageing population and a healthier population...

It is a joy to speak in this estimates day debate on sport and youth services, particularly after I spent my weekend joining the Furniture Makers’ Company for its annual tug-of-war in West Park, Long Eaton. Erewash has a very long history of furniture making, and our enduring local businesses...

It is a joy to speak in this estimates day debate on sport and youth services, particularly after I spent my weekend joining the Furniture Makers’ Company for its annual tug-of-war in West Park, Long Eaton. Erewash has a very long history of furniture making, and our enduring local businesses...

The need for greater sustained investment in youth services and sports and leisure facilities in communities like mine in Liverpool West Derby is something that I care deeply about. I welcome the debate, but I want to focus on one simple change that would cost not a penny and could...

The need for greater sustained investment in youth services and sports and leisure facilities in communities like mine in Liverpool West Derby is something that I care deeply about. I welcome the debate, but I want to focus on one simple change that would cost not a penny and could...

If we are serious about tackling the growing challenges facing all our young people, we must recognise that youth services are not a luxury but an essential part of the solution. For too long, youth provision has been viewed as an optional extra, but youth clubs, sports teams, arts programmes...

If we are serious about tackling the growing challenges facing all our young people, we must recognise that youth services are not a luxury but an essential part of the solution. For too long, youth provision has been viewed as an optional extra, but youth clubs, sports teams, arts programmes...

I congratulate the Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, the hon. Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage), on securing this important debate on sport and youth services. The debate is timely because it coincides with the world cup and Wimbledon—and yes, like other hon. and right hon. Members,...

I congratulate the Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, the hon. Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage), on securing this important debate on sport and youth services. The debate is timely because it coincides with the world cup and Wimbledon—and yes, like other hon. and right hon. Members,...

Teachers and parents in South Devon are worried about the future of PE following funding cuts. Many areas already have successful school sports partnerships, with schools pooling their premium and working with organisations such as Active Partnerships. Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government need to clarify whether schools...

Teachers and parents in South Devon are worried about the future of PE following funding cuts. Many areas already have successful school sports partnerships, with schools pooling their premium and working with organisations such as Active Partnerships. Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government need to clarify whether schools...

Partnerships are valuable, of course, and I do not oppose the Government’s approach, but the overall funding envelope is declining and being spread across both primary and secondary schools. This is resulting in a real-terms cut in the sports that are, as we are hearing from both sides of the...

Partnerships are valuable, of course, and I do not oppose the Government’s approach, but the overall funding envelope is declining and being spread across both primary and secondary schools. This is resulting in a real-terms cut in the sports that are, as we are hearing from both sides of the...

I thank the Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage), for her work, for her impressive speech and for securing the debate today. I pay tribute to her and all the members of the Select Committee from all parties...

I thank the Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage), for her work, for her impressive speech and for securing the debate today. I pay tribute to her and all the members of the Select Committee from all parties...

I congratulate the hon. Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage) and members of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on securing this estimates debate. I thank them for their efforts in scrutinising the work of this Government and shining a light on the issues that matter.

DCMS is the Department that...

I congratulate the hon. Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage) and members of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on securing this estimates debate. I thank them for their efforts in scrutinising the work of this Government and shining a light on the issues that matter.

DCMS is the Department that...

I commend the investment that the Minister has already announced. In Dewsbury, our leisure centre and swimming pool were closed in September 2023, and have stood there, with no repairs or survey. Will she meet me to discuss what the Government can do to help reopen them? Maybe they could...

I commend the investment that the Minister has already announced. In Dewsbury, our leisure centre and swimming pool were closed in September 2023, and have stood there, with no repairs or survey. Will she meet me to discuss what the Government can do to help reopen them? Maybe they could...

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, and I would be delighted to meet him. I was on a visit near his constituency recently. Leisure is a real challenge; I really want to do more on it. Of course, it is a responsibility of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local...

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, and I would be delighted to meet him. I was on a visit near his constituency recently. Leisure is a real challenge; I really want to do more on it. Of course, it is a responsibility of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local...

The hon. Member is an excellent Minister, but can she please just answer this question? When we add it all up, does this equate to an increase or a cut in the total amount of school spending?

The hon. Member is an excellent Minister, but can she please just answer this question? When we add it all up, does this equate to an increase or a cut in the total amount of school spending?

One billion pounds is going in over the next three years. Of course, that is capital and revenue, and it covers all schools. I do appreciate that there are some concerns. I will come on to address them, and I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady and, indeed,...

One billion pounds is going in over the next three years. Of course, that is capital and revenue, and it covers all schools. I do appreciate that there are some concerns. I will come on to address them, and I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady and, indeed,...

I am going to have another go, as my hon. Friend the Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage) did. A billion pounds over three years sounds like a lot of money. The simple mathematical question is, is that £1 billion over three years more or less than the amount for...

I am going to have another go, as my hon. Friend the Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage) did. A billion pounds over three years sounds like a lot of money. The simple mathematical question is, is that £1 billion over three years more or less than the amount for...

A billion pounds over the next three years is more than was invested in the previous three years, but I am acknowledging the changes to the system. I am acknowledging that we are including all schools, and that it includes capital and revenue.

The new PE and school sport partnership network...

A billion pounds over the next three years is more than was invested in the previous three years, but I am acknowledging the changes to the system. I am acknowledging that we are including all schools, and that it includes capital and revenue.

The new PE and school sport partnership network...

Could the Minister clarify one point for me? The previous PE and sport premium was just for primary schools. Am I right in saying that the new funding she has announced is for primary and secondary schools, and it is therefore being spread across far more schools, so there will...

Could the Minister clarify one point for me? The previous PE and sport premium was just for primary schools. Am I right in saying that the new funding she has announced is for primary and secondary schools, and it is therefore being spread across far more schools, so there will...

A billion pounds is going in over the next three years. I have acknowledged that it is for secondary and primary. The current system simply is not working—kids are not getting as active. I know as a former teacher how important it is for kids to be active. We are...

A billion pounds is going in over the next three years. I have acknowledged that it is for secondary and primary. The current system simply is not working—kids are not getting as active. I know as a former teacher how important it is for kids to be active. We are...

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I think the Minister may have inadvertently misled the House a moment ago when she said that the quantum of school sports funding exceeded what it previously was. There have been cuts to school sports funding, and I would like to give...

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I think the Minister may have inadvertently misled the House a moment ago when she said that the quantum of school sports funding exceeded what it previously was. There have been cuts to school sports funding, and I would like to give...

Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. It certainly would never be my intention to mislead the House. I was really clear in the debate that this Government are investing £1 billion over the next three years. I have acknowledged the fact that we are changing the system;...

Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. It certainly would never be my intention to mislead the House. I was really clear in the debate that this Government are investing £1 billion over the next three years. I have acknowledged the fact that we are changing the system;...

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of applying a reduced rate of VAT to gyms and fitness businesses, in the context of the net fiscal effect of potential reductions in NHS and other public costs associated with physical...

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of applying a reduced rate of VAT to gyms and fitness businesses, in the context of the net fiscal effect of potential reductions in NHS and other public costs associated with physical...

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact on NHS costs of increased levels of physical activity participation; and whether he has shared that assessment with HM Treasury.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact on NHS costs of increased levels of physical activity participation; and whether he has shared that assessment with HM Treasury.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what role community participation and physical activity will play in the Mental Health Strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what role community participation and physical activity will play in the Mental Health Strategy.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of business rate relief for independent gyms on levels of a) physical activity and b) public health.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of business rate relief for independent gyms on levels of a) physical activity and b) public health.

This briefing provides information on the provision of physical education and sport in schools, including national curriculum requirements, funding, the School Games, and regulations relating to school playing fields.

This briefing provides information on the provision of physical education and sport in schools, including national curriculum requirements, funding, the School Games, and regulations relating to school playing fields.

Particularly for people with a very low body mass index or an eating disorder, the use of app-based fitness classes for hours of ultra-high-intensity exercise every day can lead to addiction. When I wrote to one brand to ask about implementing access limitation tools in its app, it was dismissive. Will the Secretary of State consider reviewing whether such tools could be mandated to support those with eating disorders?

Particularly for people with a very low body mass index or an eating disorder, the use of app-based fitness classes for hours of ultra-high-intensity exercise every day can lead to addiction. When I wrote to one brand to ask about implementing access limitation tools in its app, it was dismissive. Will the Secretary of State consider reviewing whether such tools could be mandated to support those with eating disorders?

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that issue—it is an important angle on a problem of which we are all aware, but in a slightly different context, given some of the modern features that are available on the devices in our pockets. I will look into it further and pick it up with him in due course.

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that issue—it is an important angle on a problem of which we are all aware, but in a slightly different context, given some of the modern features that are available on the devices in our pockets. I will look into it further and pick it up with him in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking with cabinet colleagues to develop further details of the Government’s strategy on physical activity; and what role the Department of Health and Social Care is playing in that work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking with cabinet colleagues to develop further details of the Government’s strategy on physical activity; and what role the Department of Health and Social Care is playing in that work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what progress her Department has made on setting out further details of the Government’s strategy on physical activity, as referenced in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan published in July 2025.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what progress her Department has made on setting out further details of the Government’s strategy on physical activity, as referenced in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan published in July 2025.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to develop a cross government strategy to increase physical activity levels, as recommended by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee in its report on community and school sport.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to develop a cross government strategy to increase physical activity levels, as recommended by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee in its report on community and school sport.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of sport and physical activity on supporting the shift from sickness to prevention.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of sport and physical activity on supporting the shift from sickness to prevention.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed Code of Practice on the physical activity sector; and what consultation she has undertaken with representatives of that sector in developing the Code.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed Code of Practice on the physical activity sector; and what consultation she has undertaken with representatives of that sector in developing the Code.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what guidance is available to businesses in the physical activity sector to support compliance with the law pending publication of the Code of Practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what guidance is available to businesses in the physical activity sector to support compliance with the law pending publication of the Code of Practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make a comparative assessment of trends in the level of participation in physical activity for people with intellectual disabilities with the national average.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make a comparative assessment of trends in the level of participation in physical activity for people with intellectual disabilities with the national average.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with Special Olympics Great Britain on the difference in participation in physical activity between people with intellectual disabilities and the national average.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with Special Olympics Great Britain on the difference in participation in physical activity between people with intellectual disabilities and the national average.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps are being taken to ensure that children from low-income households can access healthy food and regular exercise opportunities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps are being taken to ensure that children from low-income households can access healthy food and regular exercise opportunities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to help improve the provision of physical exercise for (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils; and whether her Department is working with School Sport Partnerships.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to help improve the provision of physical exercise for (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils; and whether her Department is working with School Sport Partnerships.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the role of structured sport and physical activity in supporting rehabilitation outcomes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the role of structured sport and physical activity in supporting rehabilitation outcomes.

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sport and Physical Activity in the Criminal Justice System’s report Physical Activity and Sport across the Children and Young People Secure Estate, and Adult Custodial Estate in England and Wales, published in December 2025.

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sport and Physical Activity in the Criminal Justice System’s report Physical Activity and Sport across the Children and Young People Secure Estate, and Adult Custodial Estate in England and Wales, published in December 2025.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she plans to take to help ensure that people are adequately supported to maintain an active lifestyle at each stage of life in Surrey Heath constituency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she plans to take to help ensure that people are adequately supported to maintain an active lifestyle at each stage of life in Surrey Heath constituency.

What steps she plans to take to ensure that people are adequately supported to maintain an active lifestyle at each stage of life.

What steps she plans to take to ensure that people are adequately supported to maintain an active lifestyle at each stage of life.

The Government are committed to ensuring that people of all ages have the opportunity to maintain an active lifestyle. Sport England invests over £250 million of lottery and Exchequer funding annually into grassroots sport to support people of all ages. That includes multiple campaigns designed to encourage active lifestyles.

The Government are committed to ensuring that people of all ages have the opportunity to maintain an active lifestyle. Sport England invests over £250 million of lottery and Exchequer funding annually into grassroots sport to support people of all ages. That includes multiple campaigns designed to encourage active lifestyles.

The clearly remarkable Fay Bond took up athletics at the age of 90 and won three gold medals last year at the US senior Olympics at the age of 101—the oldest of over 12,400 older athletes who took part. Given the many benefits of an active lifestyle in later life, when might the first UK senior Olympics take place?

The clearly remarkable Fay Bond took up athletics at the age of 90 and won three gold medals last year at the US senior Olympics at the age of 101—the oldest of over 12,400 older athletes who took part. Given the many benefits of an active lifestyle in later life, when might the first UK senior Olympics take place?

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Team GB at the winter Olympics. It was a real pleasure to be out in Italy cheering them on in their most successful winter games yet.

I pay tribute to the lady the hon. Gentleman mentioned. We want everyone, whatever their age, to be able to be active, and we are always interested to hear ideas about future major sporting events.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Team GB at the winter Olympics. It was a real pleasure to be out in Italy cheering them on in their most successful winter games yet.

I pay tribute to the lady the hon. Gentleman mentioned. We want everyone, whatever their age, to be able to be active, and we are always interested to hear ideas about future major sporting events.

Bridgwater is the home of carnival. At nearly 180 years old, ours is the oldest carnival in the UK. This fantastic cultural event promotes an active lifestyle among the whole community. However, every year the cost of complying with legislation makes it that little bit harder to continue. Will the Minister meet with me and members of the carnival to discuss what support might be available so that this fantastic spectacle continues for another 180 years?

Bridgwater is the home of carnival. At nearly 180 years old, ours is the oldest carnival in the UK. This fantastic cultural event promotes an active lifestyle among the whole community. However, every year the cost of complying with legislation makes it that little bit harder to continue. Will the Minister meet with me and members of the carnival to discuss what support might be available so that this fantastic spectacle continues for another 180 years?

I am aware of the issue and would be delighted to meet the hon. Member to discuss it further.

I am aware of the issue and would be delighted to meet the hon. Member to discuss it further.

That is a very fair point. I was indicating that we will have some further discussions about it. If I bring further amendments back on Report, we will need to be clear about putting some flexible powers into the Bill so that we can extend it if we need to....

That is a very fair point. I was indicating that we will have some further discussions about it. If I bring further amendments back on Report, we will need to be clear about putting some flexible powers into the Bill so that we can extend it if we need to....

Or it could be withdrawn.

Or it could be withdrawn.

Yes, it could be withdrawn.

5.30 pm

Yes, it could be withdrawn.

5.30 pm

Moved by

Lord Lansley

180A: Schedule 24, page 263, line 14, leave out “(whenever passed or made)” and insert “passed before, or in the same Session as, this Act”

Member’s explanatory statement

This amendment seeks to limit the Secretary of State's power to amend future Acts of Parliament using secondary legislation, in line with...

Moved by

Lord Lansley

180A: Schedule 24, page 263, line 14, leave out “(whenever passed or made)” and insert “passed before, or in the same Session as, this Act”

Member’s explanatory statement

This amendment seeks to limit the Secretary of State's power to amend future Acts of Parliament using secondary legislation, in line with...

My Lords, we turn now to a group of amendments that all relate to the exercise of delegated powers to amend future legislation—Henry VIII powers. They are powers by way of statutory instrument to amend primary legislation in the future. The relevant document—if noble Lords are interested to read it...

My Lords, we turn now to a group of amendments that all relate to the exercise of delegated powers to amend future legislation—Henry VIII powers. They are powers by way of statutory instrument to amend primary legislation in the future. The relevant document—if noble Lords are interested to read it...

My Lords, I apologise for not having spoken in the previous debates on this Bill due to the pressure of work. The noble Lord, Lord Lansley, has spoken eloquently to his amendments, and I agree with nearly everything he has said. I will speak to Amendment 184 in my name,...

My Lords, I apologise for not having spoken in the previous debates on this Bill due to the pressure of work. The noble Lord, Lord Lansley, has spoken eloquently to his amendments, and I agree with nearly everything he has said. I will speak to Amendment 184 in my name,...