Your Views Needed! ......Standing at Football Grounds?

Published on Thu 21st Aug 2008

Ian talks to Leicester South PPC Parmjit Singh Gill on standing at football stadiums

The Liberal Democrats are looking forward to debating this motion at our Party Conference in September and local campaigner Ian Bradwell is looking for local views on this issue.

Many football fans would like to be able to stand while they support their side. We're committed to individual liberties, and to giving people the freedom to act as they want whenever it's right to do so.

The Lib Dems are immensely proud of football in this country, and the fans are an integral part of what makes our leagues the most popular in the world. Like everyone else, we want the atmosphere in grounds to be as good as possible. Equally, one of football's greatest qualities is its power to unite all kinds of people, and so it is crucial that everyone feels comfortable at football matches.

There can be no doubt that technology has improved considerably in recent years - Germany is a good example which demonstrates that if organised properly, standing at football matches can be a safe and enjoyable experience.

On the other hand, we cannot overlook the fact that some have concerns about safe standing. We can't forget the tragedies which have occurred in standing areas in football grounds in the past and we take people's concerns about safe standing seriously. During any debate that we have we must be clear - if safe standing is less safe than seating, then it cannot be allowed. Our primary concern must ultimately be the safety of all football fans.

The Liberal Democrats are anticipating a lively and thorough debate about safe standing. We want to listen to the views and concerns of all those affected, because we believe that the law should reflect what's really best for football fans.

What are YOUR views on this subject? email Ian Bradwell on ianbradwell@live.co.uk