Clive Efford MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Sport, responding to the publication of the Government’s sport strategy, said:

“Much of this report reflects the measures Labour has been calling for over the past five years, particularly the emphasis on participation.

“We have wasted five years going backwards because this Government attacked the very foundations on which a coherent sport strategy should have been built.  Whilst we welcome the emphasis on local planning and the role of local government, there are big concerns that the impact of the Government’s cuts to council budgets will have on the facilities and resources needed to implement this strategy. 

“A long-term sports plan is essential to bringing about the changes needed. We need to take the people who dedicate their lives to sport with us on this journey.  They need to know that this is about enhancing their role – not undermining what they give to sport through their activities.  Without these volunteers the strategy will fail.

“We will work with the Government to ensure that the people at the grassroots are empowered, so that they can use their local expertise to get the best value for money.  Only this will bring about a real breakthrough in participation.”