This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about culture, media and sport.
Research briefing 'King's Speech 2026: Culture, media and sport' (324KB PDF)
Approximate read time: 15 minutes
The government has said it will introduce legislation to strengthen consumer protections in the ticket resale market. It hopes this will protect fans from ‘exploitation’ by ticket touts and would “put fans first”. However, it does not intend to legislate on the primary ticket market despite recent concerns about dynamic pricing. Instead, it hopes that current measures and commitments in the primary ticket market will provide the required protection for consumers.
In addition, this briefing details recent government statements and policies on gambling regulation, broadcasting and local media, and its plans to support the arts, creative industries and young people.
This briefing has been prepared to assist members of the House of Lords in the debates on the King’s Speech. It draws upon material from the public domain and does not constitute official information about the government’s intentions or provide a complete list of bills to be announced.
Research briefing 'King's Speech 2026: Culture, media and sport' (324KB PDF)
The second reading of the Sporting Events Bill [HL] is due to take place in the House of Lords on 3 June 2026. The bill would establish a common legislative framework that could be applied to major sporting events in the UK. It would cover ticket touting, advertising and trading, unauthorised association and transport.
![Sporting Events Bill [HL]: HL Bill 3 of 2026–27](https://lordslibrary-parliament.studio24.dev/content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/camilocote-stadium-181457-568x320.jpg)
Since 2010, various sources have reported that funding for the arts has decreased creating challenges for organisations and individuals in the sector. This briefing examines how the arts are currently funded, what challenges the sector faces and what recent action the government has taken in this area. It also provides an overview of a recent independent review of the Arts Council England.
In 2025, England women celebrated both a home Rugby World Cup win and the retention of football’s UEFA Women’s Championship title. The women’s cricket team also reached the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup, and the Netball Super League was relaunched. Despite this professional success, girls play less sport than boys at both school and the grassroots level. This briefing explores the sports participation gap and what action the government has taken in this area.
