Member

My Amendment 118 also seeks to place a clearer consultation duty on the new regulator. That is also reflected in my Amendment 116, but that consultation would be limited to the code of practice only. Currently, the consultation duty in Clause 12(6) gives the regulator total discretion to consult whomever it pleases without requiring it to speak to the regulated clubs, the FA, the Premier League or other competition organisers. It would clearly not be appropriate for the guidance issued under this subsection to be issued without consulting those groups at the very least. So, in what circumstances would it be appropriate for the regulator to issue guidance without consulting regulated clubs, the Football Association and competition organisers? If the Minister cannot envisage such a circumstance, I can see no reason why the Government would resist the amendment. If the Government expect the regulator to consult these groups, they lose nothing by putting that in the Bill. I hope she will look at this carefully.