MPS question United takeover

THE potential takeover of Newcastle United has attracted interest from politicians nationwide.

It’s been reported that Clacton MP Giles Watling asked the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee to hold an inquiry (though it seems unlikely that any inquiry will take place).

But other MPS raised questions.

Lincoln backbencher Karl Mccartney asked both the Culture Secretary and International Trade Secretary if they had investigated the deal.

He highlighted piracy by Saudi-based broadcaster beoutq, which has rebroadcast sports events

also including Premier League football, without holding the rights. Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, and the official Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesperson, asked the International Trade Secretary about the same issue.

The Government does not want to get involved.

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “There have been no formal discussions on the potential sale of Newcastle United Football Club.

“Any such sale is a matter for the parties concerned, and for the Premier League to assess under its Owners’ and Directors’ Test.”

■ Spending announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak to help the UK cope with the Covid-19 crisis saw the Government borrow a massive £63.5 billion in April and attention now turning to how the bill for that will be met

■ Sports minister Nigel Huddleston