Aston Villa Fans
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy recently visited Birmingham to attend the Regional Investment Summit, where she addressed concerns about safety at football matches. During her visit, she expressed her disappointment over the decision made by the owner of Maccabi Tel Aviv not to accept an away allocation for an upcoming match. Despite her disappointment, Nandy emphasized the importance of respecting the club owner’s decision.
Lisa Nandy said: “We’re saddened the owner of Maccabi Tel Aviv felt he couldn’t accept the away allocation but we really respect the decision. For our part as a Government we’re absolutely clear, people have to be free to walk the streets, attend football matches without fear of reprisal. We’ve been working very closely with West Midlands Police and the local council to make sure this game goes ahead and it goes ahead safely. It’s a fundamental principle at stake. People are free to protest peacefully, they’re not to attend matches if they have an objection, not to buy products that they object to. What they are not free to do is to say to others you’re not safe to be able to attend a football match.”
Nandy’s remarks highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that individuals can attend football matches safely, without fear of reprisal. She underscored the fundamental principle of freedom and safety in public spaces, emphasizing that while people are free to protest peacefully and make personal choices about attendance, they should not impose safety concerns on others.
In addition to discussing football safety, Nandy announced two significant projects aimed at boosting the region’s creative and economic landscape. The Warwick Bar Prospectus outlines a vision for an area equivalent to 22 football pitches, with the potential for 1,700 new homes and 110,000 square feet of creative workspaces. Another project, Production Central WM, aims to establish a new film production office to connect producers with local set locations, crew, and suppliers, thereby attracting more film and television productions to the region.
Nandy emphasized the vibrant and exciting nature of Birmingham, where people live and work side by side, contributing to its dynamic environment. She reiterated the government’s determination to support major projects, such as the Digbeth Loc. film studios, and to continue hosting world-class football and sporting tournaments in the city.
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