Labour’s plan endangers future sporting champions, say experts

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 9, 2026

A group of leading British athletes has raised alarms over the Labour Party’s proposal to replace the current PE and sport premium with a partnerships network that could cut funding by 22% for primary school sports. Critics warn this reduction risks limiting opportunities for young athletes, particularly disadvantaged children, and could undermine the development of future elite sports talent in the UK.

A group of prominent British sporting figures has expressed serious concerns over the government’s proposed changes to funding for physical education (PE) and school sports in primary schools. The plan, put forward by the Labour Party, seeks to replace the existing PE and sport premium—a dedicated funding scheme introduced after the London 2012 Olympics—with a new "partnerships network." Critics argue this move could lead to a 22% reduction in funding, potentially diminishing opportunities for young athletes and impacting the future of elite sports in the UK.

Olympic and Paralympic champions including Baroness Sharron Davies, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Daley Thompson, and Lord Chris Holmes are among the signatories of a letter warning Education Secretary Lucy Powell that the replacement of the premium risks “closing the door on the sporting superstars of tomorrow.” They contend that the premium has been essential for enabling state schools to employ specialist coaches, improve facilities, and foster a wide range of sporting activities accessible to children regardless of their background.

The letter highlights that many successful British athletes, such as Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Sir Mo Farah, have credited their school sports experiences as foundational to their achievements. Signatories argue that cutting or restructuring funding undermines these pathways and may hamper children’s physical development, confidence, and lifelong engagement with sport. Concerns were echoed by headteachers who described the plan as “deeply concerning.”

In response, the Department for Education maintains that the new partnerships network will provide targeted support based on need and increase overall investment in school sports. The government has pledged over £1 billion toward PE and sport, including a one-off transition payment rising from £100 million to £150 million, alongside £530 million for network activities and approximately £200 million in capital funding. Officials stress that these sums exceed the flat cash funding that the premium would have delivered.

Labour has defended the restructuring as a means to tailor support more effectively and boost capital investment, but critics, including Shadow Education Minister Saqib Bhatti, insist the cuts amount to an "own goal" that will reduce opportunities for children to stay active and develop essential skills. Baroness Davies described the decision as "reckless" and warned it would disproportionately affect disadvantaged children, hindering their access to sports.

The debate reflects broader concerns about children’s health; British children are among the least active in Western Europe according to some studies. Advocates urge the government to reconsider its plans and reinstate or at least fully fund the current premium system to ensure state schools can continue offering high-quality sporting education and inspire the next generation of athletes. With the transition to the partnerships network scheduled to take effect soon, the issue remains a contentious point in discussions over the future of youth sports funding in the UK.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.