To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, with reference to the Answer of 10 April 2021 to Question 181471 on Football: Takeovers, whether the Government was involved in discussions on the sale of Newcastle United football club; and whether Lord Grimstone, Minister for Investment, had discussions with the Premier League during that takeover process.
Answered on
6 June 2022
I have been asked to reply on behalf of HM Government.
The Government was not involved in commercial discussions on the sale of Newcastle United Football Club. The takeover has always been a commercial matter for the parties concerned.
It is part of my noble Friend the Minister of State for Investment’s responsibilities to monitor significant prospective investments into the UK. As part of this process, my noble Friend kept in touch with both parties involved in the potential acquisition of Newcastle United Football Club. At no point did my noble Friend attempt to influence the Premier League to approve the takeover.