MP welcomes Government action on touts

John Battle MP (Lab, Leeds West) has welcomed Government moves to curb ticket touting following his call for greater regulation of ticket sales last year.

Creative Industries Minister Shaun Woodward MP has announced that major events will get protection from people selling on tickets, following controversy over the sale of tickets for Radio 1’s Big Weekend event on eBay.

Mr Battle said: “Last September I pressed the Government to introduce laws to bring an end to touting after my constituent Siobhan Murphy contacted me with her concerns over internet touts. I am glad to see Shaun Woodward taking on board those concerns and taking concrete steps to ensure there is better regulation.”

Siobhan Murphy, from Bramley, contacted Mr Battle after she saw hundreds of tickets for The Killers’ tour on sale on unofficial internet ticket websites and on eBay at three or four times the original price. She had earlier tried to buy tickets from the official seller, but had missed out as they sold out in minutes.

Mr Battle said: “Internet reselling is now a major issue and has meant that touts are now able to operate much more widely. The Government has tried to work with the industry to find ways they could tackle the problem without needing new legislation, but the saga over the Radio 1 event shows that this approach hasn’t worked. I am hopeful this new announcement marks the beginning of the end for ticket touting.”

©John Battle MP 18 May 2007