Government Statement on 2019 NFL games requested in Parliament

Today (1 November 2018) in Parliament, during Questions to the Leader of the House of Commons, Parliamentary American Football Group Chairman, Wellingborough MP Peter Bone asked the Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom MP for a statement in Parliament about the news that four NFL games are to be played in London during the 2019/2020 American Football season.

The Question follows a meeting in Parliament days earlier from NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars, during which Peers, MPs and non-Parliamentary Group members heard about the team’s work in the United Kingdom and the growth of the sport.

Mr Bone asked the Leader of the House of Commons: “This week, the NFL have announced four regular season games to be played, two at Wembley, two at Tottenham Hotspur’s ground next year.

“Could we have a statement next week from the Government on the development of American Football in this country?”

The Leader of the House of Commons said she was “thrilled to hear about the no-doubt exiting televisual opportunity” and referenced the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport who have been leading on the matter.

Earlier this week, Sports Minister Tracey Crouch MP had shown her support to the growth of American Football in the UK, saying “the NFL in London is going from strength to strength and I am delighted that we will have four games in the capital next year, with Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium joining Wembley as a host venue. The League brings an incredible Super Bowl-style atmosphere to the UK, with fans sporting jerseys from a range of NFL teams packing out Wembley this autumn in record numbers. I am sure the two games at Tottenham next year will also be a huge success as the UK will once again show its passion and enthusiasm for this fantastic sport.”