Southend United Football Club means so much, to so many people, for so many reasons. In the last week I have received numerous emails, many of them detailing different, heart-warming stories about spending time at Roots Hall and the deep and lifelong connections that constituents have to the Club.
Today’s adjournment is welcome, however, it does not unfortunately mean Southend’s problems are over. Whilst we now have until the 23rd August to discharge the debt to HMRC, we must be able to satisfy the National League that we are, and will remain compliant with their own rules.
Since I was first approached in September to assist and advocate for the Club in meetings with HMRC, I have always made myself available to the Shrimpers Trust and any other fan groups that have wanted to discuss the current situation. I have had numerous meetings with HMRC, Southend United, The Shrimpers Trust, The Department for Culture, Media and Sport as well as the National League. I have also spoken directly to the Secretary of State for DCMS, Lucy Frazer and have spoken about the Club in the House of Commons twice, in an effort to attract as much national attention to our current situation as possible.
I have said before that Southend United is a vital community asset and one that should be protected. Southend is blessed with some of the best fans in the country and they are the ones who have been suffering throughout this entire saga and who deserve so much better.
It is also appropriate to address and praise the hard work that has been done by the Shrimpers Trust, who have done their most to act in the best interest of the Clubs fans and keep everyone as well informed as possible. I shall continue to liaise and work with the Trust to ensure the best outcome is reached for all.
When the Government announced their ambitious plans for implementing an Independent Regulator for English Football, it was welcomed by a vast majority and the current crisis at Southend United has unfortunately proved why it is necessary. I hope that the Government will recognize how vital the rapid implementation of this new legislation really is and that they will seek to include it in the next King’s Speech. I want to assure you all now that I will do my utmost to further lobby the Government to see this happen.
Finally, if we look to the future, I hope that there will be better times ahead for this incredible football club. Staff not receiving pay packets for four months would be unacceptable anywhere in the world and Southend United is absolutely no exception to this. I hope when the new owners are in place, they will engage actively with fans, sponsors and stakeholders to ensure the events of the last 12 months are never repeated. There has been 117 years of fantastic history for Southend United, and I look forward to seeing many more.
Anna
