Banks on the spot over sport academy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tony Banks, the Minister for Sport, is facing a sporting challenge it will be hard for him to resist.
Mr Banks, an ardent Chelsea fan, has been challenged by a fellow Labour MP to a penalty shoot out at Wembley.
Alan Simpson offered Mr Banks the best out of five penalties to decide whether the proposed Centre for Sporting Excellence is based in the Midlands or the South.
However, Mr Banks, who is not noted for his footballing prowess, may have second thoughts as Mr Simpson had trials for the England team when he was a schoolboy.
Mr Simpson, the Labour MP for Nottingham South, fears that the minister will allow the centre to be created "within a comfortable coach ride of Wembley".
Insisting that it had to be based in the regions, Mr Simpson said: "If it is not, it will be perceived as yet another initiative driven by the narrow perceptions of the sporting establishment."
And he added: "The penalty shoot out would be the best of five - the winner decides on what we do." Colin Brown
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments