6 March 2023
Vara backs Football Association’s ‘Biggest Ever Football Session’ for girls

Shailesh Vara MP is backing the Football Association’s ‘Biggest Ever Football Session’, which is taking place on Wednesday 8th March 2023.

The ‘Biggest Ever Football Session’ encourages girls to play football in schools across the country on the same day. The initiative is part of the ‘Let Girls Play’ campaign promoting equal access to the sport.

At present, only 67% of schools in England offer football equally to girls and boys. The FA’s ambition is to have 90% of schools offering equal access to football by 2024.

Following England Women’s historic Euro 2022 triumph, Mr Vara is encouraging as many local schools as possible to participate in the event.

Mr Vara said:

“This is a great initiative by the FA and it will help to improve football participation among girls in schools. I very much hope that as many schools as possible in my constituency and in the country will take part, particularly following the recent success of the Lionesses who won the UEFA Women’s Euro trophy last summer.”

Shailesh Vara with 42 Engineer Regiment in Parliament

1 March 2023
Vara meets 42 Engineer Regiment in Parliament

Shailesh Vara MP recently welcomed Captain Edward Malan RE and his colleagues in 42 Engineer Regiment to Parliament.

The Regiment is a specialist unit of the British Army which provides geographic support and is based in RAF Wyton in Huntingdonshire.

Following a tour of both the House of Commons and House of Lords, they met with Mr Vara and discussed a number of issues. These included the role of an MP and the functioning of Parliament, as well as a discussion on the present situation in Ukraine.

Following the visit, Mr Vara said:

“I’m always very pleased to arrange tours for constituents and I am glad that Captain Malan and his colleagues had an enjoyable visit.

We talked about a number of issues, including the varied work of MPs and Ministers. I was also pleased to have an opportunity to speak about some military issues, especially the situation in Ukraine.”

Captain Malan added:

“We had a very enjoyable visit to Parliament and it was fascinating to see how our democracy works. There is much more to the running of Parliament than we normally see and we were particularly grateful that Shailesh was able to join us to explain the more technical aspects. I would recommend anyone who has an interest in politics and governance to make a visit.”

Photo: Shailesh Vara with Captain Malan (front row, third from left), together with colleagues from 42 Engineer Regiment.

27 February 2023
Vara congratulates PM on Northern Ireland trade agreement

Shailesh Vara congratulates the Prime Minister on the Windsor framework agreement on post-Brexit trade in Northern Ireland and highlights the critical role of the ‘Stormont brake’ and asks if, for some reason Stormont was not sitting, there is a default mechanism if the Stormont brake cannot be exercised.

Shailesh Vara (North West Cambridgeshire) (Con)

I associate myself with my right hon. Friend’s comments concerning Betty Boothroyd and DCI Caldwell—we all wish him a speedy recovery.

I congratulate my right hon. Friend, along with his entire negotiating team, on the massive strides that he has been able to make on this complex and difficult issue. I, for one, wish him well with this agreement. The Stormont brake is critical to the agreement. I am particularly pleased that it represents cross-party consensus. Leaving aside the current reasons why Stormont is not sitting, the Prime Minister will be aware that in the past, Stormont has not sat for other reasons used by one or other party. If that were to be the case in the future, is there a default mechanism if the Stormont brake cannot be exercised?

The Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak)

I thank my right hon. Friend for his support and for the advice that he has provided to me and the team. This is obviously an area that he knows well from his own experience, and we very much valued his input. The Stormont brake is there to be exercised by the Stormont institution. A precondition for its use is that the institution is up and running, and that is what everyone in this House wants to see. That is another good reason to get the institutions up and running: so that sovereignty can be restored to Northern Ireland. I look forward to discussing with the parties how the brake should work, but it is important that we get the institution up and running so that people in Northern Ireland have the representation that they need. The Windsor framework delivers that ability, but it is ultimately for the people and parties in Northern Ireland to take it forward.

Hansard

24 February 2023
MPs back Peterborough United following football Review

Local MPs Shailesh Vara and Paul Bristow have had discussions with Leighton Mitchell, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Peterborough United Football Club, following the Government’s announcement to appoint an Independent Regulator for football.

The appointment of a Regulator is one of the key recommendations made following a Review of football carried out by Tracey Crouch MP.

The Regulator will require clubs to show that they are financially sound and that they have good corporate governance. Importantly, the Regulator will have responsibility to ensure stability of the wider football pyramid.

Other recommendations made by the Review include strengthening the test for owners and directors and greater tests on the source of club funds.

Fans will have a greater say in the running of clubs and the Regulator will have powers to block clubs from joining breakaway leagues, such as the European Super League.

The Regulator will also have powers over financial redistribution, intervening when the financial position of the football pyramid is at risk. When clubs are unable to sort out matters themselves, the Regulator will be able to step in to safeguard the game.

Mr Vara and Mr Bristow made clear to Mr Mitchell their support for Peterborough United as the changes are brought in. They particularly welcomed the proposal for a fair distribution of wealth throughout the football pyramid, so that all clubs are sustainable.

Mr Vara said:

“English football is a global success, and we must ensure that it remains so. I welcome these proposals which will help to protect and safeguard clubs across England. I am particularly pleased to see that there will be stronger measures in place to protect smaller clubs, such as POSH.

It’s important that there is fairness and sustainability throughout the football pyramid, which will help to protect the long term success of our national game.”

Mr Bristow added:

“The Government have endorsed the key recommendations from the fan-led review. This means an Independent Regulator that will guarantee financial fair play, new rules that will ensure football clubs have credible owners and a system where money will be shared across the football pyramid.

“This is important for football, for fans, and for clubs like Peterborough United. It is often said that football is more than just a game – and for many this is true. The nation’s favourite sport will be nothing without the fans and it’s right that their views are front and centre.”

Mr Mitchell commented:

“Peterborough United welcomes the findings of the White Paper including the appointment of an Independent Regulator. The package of proposals represents an opportunity to ensure the long term stability of the football pyramid and improve the financial sustainability of individual Clubs.”

22 February 2023
Vara backs a Bill to extend the period for the formation of an Executive in Northern Ireland by one year

Shailesh Vara, former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, backs a Bill to extend the period for the formation of an Executive in Northern Ireland by one year and expresses his personal commitment to the people of Northern Ireland.

Shailesh Vara (North West Cambridgeshire) (Con)

I can give, on a personal level, the assurance that those of us who have been involved with Northern Ireland politics take it seriously. Some of us actually resigned from the Northern Ireland Office and sacrificed our ministerial careers because we cared passionately about Northern Ireland, and it is certainly not a game from the viewpoint of many of the Ministers who have served there—and most certainly not a game from the viewpoint of this Minister who resigned on principle.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Chris Heaton-Harris)

The former Secretary of State has, in his own words, described the seriousness with which everyone takes Northern Ireland and its politics, and especially its people—and those people in Northern Ireland want their locally elected representatives to go back to work. So do I, and so, I believe, does everyone in the House, notwithstanding the tiny bit of work that we have to do with our European Union partners. This Bill will lay the groundwork for that to happen, and I therefore commend it to the House.

Hansard

8 February 2023
Vara backs Burghley House bid to host world eventing championships 2026

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Shailesh Vara seeks the PM’s support for Burghley House’s bid to host the world eventing championships in 2026.

Shailesh Vara (North West Cambridgeshire) (Con)

Burghley House in my constituency is bidding to host the world eventing championships in 2026. This event is one of the pinnacles of the sport and, if we are successful in our bid, it will provide a massive boost to the local economy and massive coverage for the UK on the global scene. Burghley has a formidable track record of success, having previously hosted two world championships and six European championships. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Burghley would make a fantastic venue, and will he lend us his support so that we can be successful with our bid? (903561)

The Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak)

We are committed to building on our fantastic track record of hosting events such as the Commonwealth games, the women’s Euros and the rugby league world cup. I understand that the relevant UK sporting authorities are looking at the location, and I am sure they will be considering Burghley, in my right hon. Friend’s constituency, in the near future.

Hansard

1 February 2023
Vara seeks confirmation from the PM that UK sovereignty will not be compromised in EU negotiations

Shailesh Vara seeks confirmation from the Prime Minister that in the Government’s negotiations with the EU regarding the Northern Ireland protocol, the sovereignty of the United Kingdom and its four nations will not be compromised.

Shailesh Vara (North West Cambridgeshire) (Con)

Will the Prime Minister kindly confirm to the House that, in the United Kingdom Government’s negotiations with the EU regarding the Northern Ireland protocol, the sovereignty of the United Kingdom and its four nations will not be compromised?

The Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak)

I can give my right hon. Friend that assurance. I know this is something that he cares passionately about. The implementation of the protocol is having an impact for communities in Northern Ireland. That is why it needs to be addressed, which is what we are attempting to do through constructive dialogue, but the goal in that must be to ensure Northern Ireland’s place in our precious Union.

Hansard

12 December 2022
Vara supports ‘Pitching In’ programme at Yaxley Football Club

Shailesh Vara MP recently visited Yaxley Football Club at In2itive Park, Yaxley, to support the club’s ‘Pitching In’ programme. Mr Vara had a tour of the grounds with the Club Chairman Mr Malcolm Clements, Mr Lee Martin CEO of sponsors Toojays Training and Mr Gareth Knight from Entain Foundation.

The “Pitching In” programme encourages members of the local community to volunteer for roles with local football clubs. The programme is run by the Entain Foundation in partnership with Trident Leagues, who have recently founded the first National Volunteer Hub, which is a unique online portal allowing clubs to advertise volunteering vacancies.

Yaxley F.C. is the home ground to a number of Yaxley football teams, including the men and ladies teams as well as a number of youth, junior and development teams.

During the visit Mr Vara participated in one of the volunteering roles as the Club’s Stadium Announcer. As well as thanking the sponsors, he welcomed the officials, players and supporters. He also read out the team sheet prior to the First Team’s game against Halesowen Town F.C.

Following the visit, Mr Vara said:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Yaxley Football Club and give my support to the ‘Pitching In’ programme and the Club’s campaign to involve their local community. This is a very worthwhile initiative which can benefit the club and also provide enjoyment to those who volunteer.

“There are a number of different roles available and if anyone is interested, I would urge them to get in touch with the club.”

Mr Clements commented:

“I was very pleased to welcome Shailesh to Yaxley FC and its great to have his support as we move forwards.

The Pitching In programme is very important and if anyone wants to help us at Yaxley FC, do please get in touch with me.”

Photo: Shailesh Vara MP, Club Chairman Malcolm Clement, and sponsor Lee Martin from Toojays Training.

Shailesh Vara MP, Yaxley FC Chairman Malcolm Clement, and sponsor Lee Martin from Toojays Training.