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-181457-1232x693.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.
This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about culture, media and sport.
In Focus
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.
In Focus
The committee’s report raised concerns about public risk from misinformation, disinformation and online harms. The committee recommended enhancing media literacy, including through national curriculum reforms, an industry levy to fund education, and better coordination of support for adults, especially parents. The government agreed on the importance of media literacy, citing measures under the Online Safety Act 2023, cross-government work, and forthcoming updated media literacy teaching following the curriculum review.
In Focus
The Football Association states that non-league and grassroots football provides many benefits to communities and individuals, including health and wellbeing benefits. This briefing looks at how grassroots and non-league football is structured and supported across England, and what challenges it faces.
In Focus
Recent developments in technology are changing how audiences access television and radio. This briefing explores changes in viewing habits, the rise of streaming services and market trends affecting broadcasters. It also considers what the government and Ofcom have said recently about regulatory priorities and the future of public service broadcasters. It also covers issues facing the BBC ahead of the process to review its charter, which is expected to begin soon.
Research Briefing
The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill 2024–26 is a House of Commons private member’s bill which would create a new offence of unauthorised entry, or attempted entry, to certain football matches in England and Wales.
In Focus
Currently, government funding is available through several schemes to help students attend specialist music and dance schools. The funding a student receives is linked to their household income. The government has continued to fund the two main schemes for the current academic year. However, it has not made any commitments on longer term funding. Industry stakeholders have raised concerns about future funding arrangements, including the impact a reduction could have on diversity in the creative industries.
In Focus
The House of Lords is due to debate whether to approve three statutory instruments on 22 July 2025. These relate to the restrictions on foreign state investment in UK news sources, such as newspapers. One of these instruments would allow foreign states to own holdings of up to 15% in a UK news source owner. The reasoning behind this move has been questioned by a House of Lords committee, and Liberal Democrat peer Lord Fox has tabled a motion calling on the House to reject it.
In Focus
Music forms part of the national curriculum up to key stage 3. Recent statistics show increases in GCSE music entries in summer 2025 compared to the previous academic year, but there has also been a drop in A-level entries in the same period. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the quality of music provision in schools and the difficulties faced by children from more deprived areas in accessing music education.
In Focus
In September 2024 the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee launched an inquiry into the scaleup challenges facing startup enterprises working with artificial intelligence (AI) and creative technology. In a report published in February 2025, the committee warned the UK risked becoming an incubator economy where UK startups developed innovative products and services before selling out or moving abroad. This briefing summarises the report’s recommendations and the government’s response.
In Focus
In November 2024, the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee published a report examining the future of the news sector in the UK. While acknowledging the sector’s strengths, it expressed concerns about declining trust and revenue, threats to investigative reporting and the influence of artificial intelligence (AI). It made several recommendations to the government and others, including dedicating resources to address the challenges of AI and developing a media literacy strategy.
In Focus
The UK co-founded and is a member of the Media Freedom Coalition, which advocates for media freedom, the safety of journalists, and holding those who harm journalists to account. More than 50 journalists have been killed every year since 2019, often with impunity. They can also be subject to detention and legal intimidation. The previous government worked with the UN and other multilateral organisations to promote media freedom, and the current government has said it will protect independent journalism.
In Focus
In the UK, human body parts can legally be held in museums and private collections, as well as offered for sale. Many items were collected in colonial contexts, without the consent of communities. Indigenous groups are campaigning for the return of their ancestors’ remains. This briefing sets out the relevant background and law on this issue in the UK.
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