MP hits out at Government’s ‘insult’ to fans
THE Government have been accused of ‘insulting’ Newcastle United fans by one of the city’s MPs.
Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle Central, has hit out at Downing Street for failing to answer her questions regarding the Newcastle United takeover – something she feels shows a lack of accountability from the Government.
Ms Onwurah submitted two questions to the Government prior to the Christmas break.
One was linked to our Freedom of Information request which revealed the Premier League had sent emails to the Foreign Office asking that the department was to be on the ‘same page’ when it came to the decision on the Newcastle takeover led by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
The question asked what the objective of the department was and if it was achieved.
James Cleverly MP told Ms Onwurah that: “FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) officials held meetings with the Premier League following a request by the latter. FCDO officials were clear with the Premier League that any prospective takeover of Newcastle United Football Club was a matter for the two parties concerned.”
The second question related to quotes made by Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden in April when he told a committee that it was not Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman buying Newcastle himself but the sovereign wealth fund – and therefore seemingly made a distinction between the two.
The Premier League is believed to have argued that PIF and Crown Prince were not separate entities.
Ms Onwurah asked on what evidence Mr Dowden made this judgement.
Nigel Huddleston MP, responded: “It is for the Premier League alone to make assessments of potential acquisitions of football clubs under its Owners’ and Directors’ Test.”
Ms Onwurah said: “The Government’s refusal to answer any of my questions is an insult to Newcastle United fans. As well as doing nothing to make the Premier League accountable, the Government don’t seem to think they are accountable for what they have said, in Parliament, about the takeover, or meetings they have had, or the promises they have made.”