Keir Starmer has written to broadcaster TNT Sports requesting that next weekend's Champions League final be made free to view. The move is seen as an attempt to appeal to voters, following the government's recent announcement of VAT cuts on entry to attractions such as theme parks, zoos, and museums during the school summer holidays.
Starmer, a season ticket holder at Premier League champions Arsenal, expressed his disappointment that the club's match against Paris Saint-Germain will not be freely accessible to UK supporters. The final, scheduled for next Saturday in Budapest, will be the first time British viewers cannot watch the Champions League final without charge. It will be streamed on HBO Max via TNT Sports, with the cheapest subscription at £4.99 per month.
In his letter, Starmer stated: "The Champions League is the biggest club football competition in the world and rightly means a lot to fans in this country – the home of football. I am a firm believer that the final of this competition should remain free to watch, whether Arsenal have made it or not." He added: "Obviously, I want as many fellow fans as possible to be able to watch our team in this historic final for the first time in 20 years. However, this is bigger than that. This is about supporters of all teams coming together in living rooms and pubs in every corner of the country to watch the most elite players in Europe battle it out. Hard-working people should not have to worry about forking out for a subscription to watch a game of this magnitude."
A TNT spokesperson responded: "We have made all three UEFA finals this year available from just £4.99, the price for a month-long subscription to HBO Max that also includes the great entertainment on the service. This represents exceptional value for fans to watch the conclusion of the competitions."
The prime minister is facing political pressure after poor local election results earlier this month. He is expected to face a leadership challenge from Andy Burnham if the Greater Manchester mayor wins the upcoming Makerfield byelection. Labour MPs have expressed concerns about heavy losses if Starmer leads the party into the next election amid rising support for Reform UK.
Former cabinet minister Liam Byrne remarked that the party is stuck in a "managerial meh" and warned: "If we don't get our shit together pretty quickly, then things are going to go south." Speaking at the Hay literary festival, Byrne noted that the Greens have "captured hope" and Reform has "captured anger," while Labour is "left in the middle ... without hope or anger, frankly, and to be honest not a terrific clarity of plan either."
Byrne also commented on Andy Burnham's prospects, saying voters see him as a "fighter" and admire his work in Manchester. He predicted Burnham would win the Makerfield byelection but declined to speculate on further implications.
