Golf and fishing may get first green light, hints Dowden

GOLF clubs and fishing areas could be opened ahead of other sports as the lockdown is eased, the Culture Secretary has hinted.

Oliver Dowden said his department was “gathering evidence” on which sports can socially distance most effectively. However, he said any decision on reopening sports activities would rest with the Prime Minister and have to be in line with scientific advice.

Appearing at the digital, culture, media and sport select committee, Mr Dowden was asked by Tory MP Giles Watling if he would consider lifting restrictions on non-contact sports such as “angling, bowls and golf ”.

Mr Dowden said if there was evidence that such clubs could open safely he would press the case for them to the Prime Minister and the Cobra emergencies committee, which is looking at lockdown easing strategies.

He added: “We are gathering that information. In respect of all sports I want us to ease restrictions as quickly as we are able to, but that has to be consistent with the public evidence and guidance.”

Mr Dowden was also questioned about the £750 million package that Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, had set aside to help charities survive the lockdown. MPS queried if the amount was enough in light of the sector saying it was facing a £4 billion shortfall.

He said that charities could also draw on other state measures such as the furlough scheme and tax breaks, but that they should be using up their reserves before drawing on taxpayer money.

Asked by Julian Knight, the committee chairman, whether charities should “whittle down their reserves entirely” before asking for money, Mr Dowden replied: “One of the factors will be the financial position of the charities, but I think the most important factor will be what they are doing throughout the Covid-19 crisis.”