3UP campaign discussed in Parliament during Commons Adjournment Debate

The 3UP campaign has been formally debated in Parliament for the first time, marking a very significant milestone in the push for fairer promotion from non-league football into the EFL.

Last Thursday, the issue was discussed in an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons, brought forward by Jonathan Brash, MP for Hartlepool, who used the opportunity to focus heavily on the case for three promotion places from the National League to League Two.

The arguments in favour of 3UP are now formally on parliamentary record in Hansard, and have been heard directly by Government and, crucially, by the football authorities.

What is an Adjournment Debate?

An Adjournment Debate is a key parliamentary mechanism that allows MPs to raise specific issues directly with the relevant Government Minister.

MPs must usually apply through a ballot to secure one, although on Thursdays the Speaker has discretion over which debates are heard.

In this instance, Mr Brash was successful in securing a Thursday debate on “Government support for non-league football”, giving him a guaranteed platform to put the 3UP case directly to Government.

A Clear Case for 3UP

In his remarks, Mr Brash argued that 3UP is a simple and overdue reform, calling for parity with the rest of the football pyramid and highlighting the pressure placed on ambitious non-league clubs by the current two-up system.

He stressed that the campaign:

• Is supported by all 72 National League clubs
• Has backing from the Football Supporters’ Association
• Has attracted support from more than 50 MPs
• Is endorsed by respected figures across the game

Mr Brash described 3UP as “not a radical restructuring of football” but “a straightforward reform to make the system fairer, more competitive and more sustainable”, noting it has been 23 years since the National League was granted a second promotion place.

With the English Football League board due to meet later this week, he underlined that this represents a critical moment for action.

Government Response: “Strength of Feeling Recognised”

Responding on behalf of the Government was Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts) at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

He acknowledged the vital role non-league football plays in communities and stated from the Despatch Box that:

“The Government recognise the strength of feeling on the 3UP campaign.”

While reiterating that promotion and relegation structures remain a matter for the football authorities, the Minister emphasised the importance of fan voices and expressed hope that the EFL would listen to supporters when the issue is discussed at its forthcoming meetings.

Cross-Party Support

The debate also highlighted wider parliamentary backing for non-league football and the 3UP campaign, including support from Paul Waugh, a passionate advocate for his local club: current National League leaders Rochdale. Both Mr Waugh and Mr Brash attended the All-Party Parliamentary Group meeting last year and were present in the Commons for last week’s debate.

Momentum Building

The parliamentary debate has already attracted national media attention, with coverage from major outlets including the BBC and Mail Online, underlining the growing prominence of the issue beyond the game itself.

With the arguments now officially recorded in Parliament, increasing political backing, and key EFL meetings approaching, last week’s debate represents a major step forward for the 3UP campaign – and adds further pressure for progress on a reform that non-league football has been calling for over two decades.

BBC Radio Tees discussion

In addition, earlier in the week Jonathan Brash MP discussed with his local radio station – BBC Radio Tees – just why he is raising the issue of 3UP in parliament and why it was so important to clubs like his beloved Hartlepool, and such a hot topic in football below the EFL.

You can listen to his interview in full by clicking the post below.

3UP feature in the Daily Mail

Ian Herbert, Deputy Chief Sports Writer at the Daily Mail and the 2022 UK Sports Journalist of the Year, has helped to bring the 3UP campaign to a wider audience with a detailed feature article last week.

The campaign, parliamentary discussion, and consequences of denying 3UP are all covered in his article which is available to MailOnline subscribers by clicking here.