‘It’s a prehistoric injustice that needs correcting for the betterment of football’

On Saturday, two Members of Parliament with National League clubs close to their hearts made their voices heard by joining the call for the EFL to put 3UP to their members. 

The campaign has gathered pace in recent weeks, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commending the effort of those who say there is little competitive imbalance between the divisions.

He is not the only politician to show support for the cause. 

On the National League’s Day of Action, MPs fighting the corner of York City and Morecambe put aside on-the-pitch confrontation and united with the same message.

The 3UP campaign was backed not only by the 24 teams in action, but by the 48 Enterprise National League North and South clubs, as well as the 208 teams across the Isthmian, Northern and Southern Premier Leagues with games kicking off at 3.03pm.

So, what next? Luke Charters, the MP for York Outer, and the MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale Lizzi Collinge were clear. Here’s what they had to say. 

Luke Charters,
MP for York Outer

“This is an issue going back multiple years - this is an issue far bigger than York City.

“When you see just one division above that there are four promotion spots, it’s bonkers that we only get two. It’s a prehistoric injustice, and now is the time to right this wrong.

 

“The situation needs to be corrected for the betterment of not only the Pyramid, but for the fans and for the good of the sport. It needs to be changed for the game in general. 

“Now is time for the EFL board to formally put this to their clubs. Don’t forget, a lot of EFL clubs want this. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that if you get relegated from the EFL, it might actually be quite helpful to have that extra place available to bound back up.

“The Prime Minister himself says he commends the campaign. Let’s seize this chance - the EFL have got to listen to the fans and the time has arrived to make this a reality.

Lizzi Collinge,
MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale

“Morecambe FC is the heart of our town. When our club came under threat earlier this year, it felt like the heart was being ripped out of the area.

“A football club is more than just about the game - but we need to make the game as attractive as possible. 

“What the 3UP campaign does is really incentivise investment in clubs by owners. If you have an opportunity to move through the leagues, then that only increases the chances of such backing. 

“That, as clubs like Morecambe have shown, is crucial to the development of the game. 

“I definitely believe the EFL should not only be debating the issue, but putting it to their board and to their members. This is for the whole football Pyramid - and the EFL really should be grasping this opportunity.”