The Government believes that all-seater stadiums are the best means to ensure the safety and security of spectators at football grounds in England and Wales. All-seater stadiums have helped improve crowd management, crowd behaviour and policing. They provide better and more comfortable facilities to enjoy football matches, which has helped encourage inclusivity and diversity amongst those attending.
I understand that the Government is continuing to monitor the issue of spectator accommodation and the use of safe standing where it is permitted, including at Celtic, but Ministers are not persuaded by the case put forward to re-introduce standing accommodation in grounds in the top two divisions covered by the all-seater policy, at present.
I also think there are other ways of dealing with persistent standing, aside from introducing safe standing. For example, I would like to see the regulations to deal with persistent standing enforced more consistently.
