Hansard

As we meet on 11 November, armistice day, wearing our poppies, to discuss the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill and the opportunity that it brings for our nation, we do so on a day of profound reflection. Today, we all paused to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to our country. It is with that spirit of respect and unity that we look to the future, and sport brings nations and us all together.

I turn to the specifics of the stage 1 debate on the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill. First, I thank the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee for its constructive scrutiny. I also thank all who contributed evidence, including the Union of European Football Associations, the Scottish Football Association, Police Scotland and the Scottish Human Rights Commission.

The Scottish Government welcomes the committee’s support for the bill’s general principles and has considered its recommendations carefully. We are committed to working with Parliament and stakeholders to ensure that the legislation is proportionate, effective and fit for purpose.

The bill is a vital step in enabling Scotland to play its part in hosting Euro 2028. In the more immediate future, our attention perhaps will be more focused on the next few days, when Scotland’s men’s team will play crucial qualifiers against Greece and Denmark for next year’s FIFA world cup. I know that I speak for us all when I say that we wish Steve Clarke and the team all the best. [Applause.]

However, in 2028, the Euros are coming to Scotland. Euro 2028 will be the largest-ever major sporting event jointly staged by the United Kingdom and Ireland. It will be a month-long celebration of football, and Scotland will host matches at Hampden park in Glasgow, welcoming fans from across Europe and, no doubt, beyond.

The tournament is about football, but it is also about so much more. Euro 2028 aligns with our national priorities as a Government: supporting economic growth, promoting inclusion and showcasing Scotland internationally.

Our successful joint bid for Euro 2028 reflects Scotland’s significant experience and global reputation for hosting major events.

Our hosting of Euro 2020 was shaped by the pandemic, but Euro 2028 offers a fresh opportunity to provide a warm Scottish welcome and deliver really vibrant celebrations—all the way to the final match, I hope.

During Euro 2024, we saw the enthusiasm and positive reputation of Scottish supporters abroad, and we want to build on that in 2028. The tournament will boost tourism and hospitality in Scotland and promote our culture at the same time. Glasgow will host at least one official UEFA fan zone, extending the experience beyond Hampden park.

A Euro 2028 UK and Ireland social impact fund of £45 million is jointly supported by government and football partners. That is intended to deliver benefits right across these islands and Ireland.

To host Euro 2028, Scotland must meet UEFA’s requirements for protecting commercial rights; conditions apply to all host nations. Although some protections already exist, additional legislation is required, with the bill focusing on three key areas. First, it will prohibit the unauthorised sale of tickets for more than face value or for profit. Secondly, it will restrict unauthorised street trading and advertising in designated event zones. Thirdly, it will provide enforcement powers to implement the protections effectively. The measures are time limited, proportionate and targeted. The bill will be automatically repealed on 31 December 2028.

I welcome the committee’s stage 1 report and will now turn to its key themes. The committee asked for clarification on whether

“it will be legal under the Bill to resell a ticket online at face value.”

I confirm that the bill defines ticket touting as the unauthorised sale of a championship ticket either for more than its face value or with a view to making a profit. That means that reselling a ticket at face value will not in itself be an offence, provided that the seller does not intend to make profit from the transaction. However, UEFA’s ticketing terms and conditions might prohibit tickets being resold except via an authorised resale platform. Although such activity would not be a criminal offence under the bill, it could result in the ticket being voided by UEFA under those conditions once they are published. The committee also asked how ticketing offences will be addressed across borders. We are working on that with the UK Government and other host nations to support an aligned approach.

The committee raised concerns about the potential impact of the bill on street traders. We recognise the importance of Euro 2028 to local businesses, including street traders, in addition to the usual level of trade that they would expect. The bill will require Glasgow City Council to offer alternative trading arrangements to affected street traders, and we welcome the council’s intention to waive temporary licence fees for those affected traders. The bill will also require the council to publish guidance for businesses. We will continue to engage with businesses and communities as the detail of event zones is developed in the coming months.

The committee sought reassurance that the enforcement powers in the bill are proportionate and compatible with human rights. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that enforcement powers are exercised in a manner that is compatible with human rights. Enforcement officers will be subject to the legal obligations that are placed on public authorities under the Human Rights Act 1998. The bill’s enforcement powers mirror those under existing legislation such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The powers include safeguards—for example, enforcement officers may enter premises only with permission or a warrant. Without permission or a warrant, using reasonable force to enter will be a decision for a police constable and not an enforcement officer. Entry to people’s homes will be subject to additional safeguards.

The committee rightly highlighted the importance of protecting freedom of expression and the right to protest, so the bill supports legitimate protest. It includes exemptions for peaceful protest, and Police Scotland will uphold rights to protest and freedom of expression. We are discussing, monitoring and reporting on human rights impacts with Glasgow City Council and other partners. Those discussions are on-going.

The committee reiterated the recommendation of its predecessor committee that the Scottish Government should consider developing an events framework bill. Although we see the potential benefits of that route, bespoke legislation for Euro 2028 is the suitable approach: it is consistent with the approach for previous major events and deliverable within the required timescales. We remain open to exploring the case for a general major events bill in future, but that would require careful consideration and engagement with stakeholders that would not have been possible within the overall timelines for Euro 2028.

In conclusion, Euro 2028 is a significant opportunity for Scotland economically and culturally, and for our reputation. The bill is essential to meeting our obligations as a host nation and delivering a successful tournament that benefits communities right across the country. We have taken a very collaborative approach, working with UEFA, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, Police Scotland and many others, and we will continue those constructive engagements as the bill progresses. I invite Parliament to support the general principles of the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill.

I move,

That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill.