The government has been urged to make this season the last that Premier League games are locked behind a paywall.

The Liberal Democrats pledged to make the cost of watching key football games cheaper in its manifesto, arguing that at least 10 Premier League games per season should be free to air.

The party, which now has 72 MPs in parliament, wants the paywall to be removed to build on the success of the Olympics and inspire more people into sport.

Calum Miller, the Lib Dem MP for Bicester and Woodstock, wrote to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to ask that she meet with representatives from the football industry to discuss free broadcasting options.

Politics latest: Foreign secretary heads to Israel for talks

“This must be the last Premier League season to be locked behind the paywall,” he wrote.

“Football remains the most popular sport in the United Kingdom, deeply rooted in our country’s culture and tradition, attracting millions of passionate fans and players.

Ed Sheeran buys minority stake in Ipswich Town – and celebrates with tractor ride

Lee Carsley announced as interim England manager after Southgate exit

Rodri: Spain and Manchester City star banned over ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ chant at Euro 2024 victory event

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

“But ticket prices for matches have continued to soar during the cost of living crisis and many fans are now priced out of watching the team they support.

“I am calling on you to have discussions with the Premier League to tear down the paywall and give football back to the country.”

Read more:
How much would a Labour government change football?
Sir Keir Starmer vows to protect Premier League’s status

He added: “Perhaps with your intervention, the Premier League and associated television companies might be persuaded to give us all a live Premier League match as a Christmas present.

“It is time for young boys and girls, and their mums, dads and grandparents, to watch Cole Palmer’s penalties, Saka’s dazzling footwork and Pep Guardiola’s record breakers.

“I hope you are able to make this happen.”

A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said: “The Government has no plans to review the listed events regime.”

Related posts:

Booster jab rules will not change unless JCVI says so, minister says Why the government’s social care cap plan is worrying some Tory MPs Labour MP resigns after suspension for ‘serious sexual misconduct’ Sunak mulls crackdown on foreign students to reduce immigration Boris Johnson says he’ll find it ‘very difficult’ to vote for Sunak’s new Brexit deal Starmer appoints partygate investigator Sue Gray as new chief of staff Minister to raise claim woman was sexually assaulted by officers with police watchdog Jeremy Hunt mulls major benefits squeeze to fund inheritance tax cuts Tories think they’ve spotted a Labour weakness – and are scouring for opportunities Labour veteran ‘hopes’ to be made peer Sunak’s D-Day ‘mistake’: How damaging is it for his campaign? One of UK’s biggest unions fails to endorse Labour manifesto