Reading FC, STAR, and the Football Governance Bill

Over the past few months, I’ve met with various groups as part of my work on the Football Governance Bill legislation. For Reading fans, this isn't just about future reform. It's personal, it's urgent, and it's long overdue.

That’s why I recently spoke with representatives from the Supporters’ Trust at Reading (STAR), to hear about how the Bill can better reflect the experience of those who have lived through ownership crisis and instability. Their insight was compelling and constructive, and I’ll be taking their proposed amendments to colleagues in Parliament and doing what I can to ensure their voices are heard.

Among their concerns were stronger rules around club ownership, better financial protections (such as mandatory emergency funding from owners), a crackdown on exploitative ticket pricing, and a stronger legal role for supporters' trusts in the decision-making process.

Reading FC is Berkshire’s only professional football club, and it means the world to its fans and to the wider community. It deserves long-term security and transparent, sustainable governance, just like every other club across the country.

This Bill is our chance to get things right. I’m grateful to STAR for their ongoing work and look forward to continuing to support them and football fans across Newbury, Reading, West Berkshire, and beyond.