Norfolk MPs renew push for safe standing at Carrow Road

Three Norfolk MPs are seeking a meeting with a government minister in a further bid to have safe standing introduced at Carrow Road.

Last month Norman Lamb, Clive Lewis and Chloe Smith wrote to home secretary Amber Rudd urging a change to the law allowing for safe standing in the top two tiers of English football, in support of a bid by Norwich City FC.

A spokesman for Mr Lamb said sport and civil society minister Tracey Crouch had written back, saying that: 'the government remains unconvinced by the case put forward to re-introduce standing accommodation in football grounds covered by the all-seater requirement', citing the 'history of disorder and stadium disasters specifically related to football' in the UK.

The letter went onto say that: 'policies such as the all-seater requirement have made a positive difference to the football culture here and continue to do so.'

The MPs are now seeking a meeting with Ms Crouch over the issue.

Mr Lamb said: 'Effective government policy should always be based on evidence.

'For the issue of safe standing, the evidence points to a compelling case for change, so the Government is effectively ignoring the evidence. My office is seeking a meeting with the Minister to discuss further.'

Mr Lewis added: 'Safe standing at Norwich is a no-brainer. It'd help the club better meet their safety obligations and many fans I've spoken with want to see it happen as well. I'd also expect the introduction of safe standing to make match days more fun for groups of fans who want to stay together for games and hope that in the long-run it can lead to a reduction in the cost of getting into a match.'