Hugh challenges Government to ACT

HUGH ROBERTSON ISSUES FIVE POINT CHALLENGE TO GOVERNMENT OVER SCHOOL SPORT

Hugh Robertson, the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent and Shadow Sports Minister, has issued a five point challenge to the government over school sport.

Speaking in yesterday’s School Sports debate in the House of Commons the Shadow Sports Minister called on the government to address the following five points:-

Firstly, that the government will bring forward proposals to strengthen and encourage the key link between clubs and schools.

Secondly, that the remaining lottery money for school sport will be rapidly distributed. It really is pathetic to have spent under 1% of the amount pledged pledged.

Thirdly, that the sale of school playing fields will cease completely – except in exceptional circumstances.
Fourthly, that concrete steps will be taken to cut beaurocracy – freeing up teachers’ time for sport.

Fifthly, that appropriate legal protection will be offered to those who give up their time to coach young people at sport.

Hugh said: “There is a consensus that sport is good for young people and needs to be encouraged and promoted in schools and I pay tribute to all those who give up their own time and do so much to encourage sport in school. However, the government has a long way to go to create the necessary condition to allow it to flourish.”