Torbay MP joins cross-party push for National League 3UP reform

Dozens of MPs from across the political spectrum have gathered in Westminster to back the National League’s 3UP campaign, which calls for a third promotion place into the English Football League.

The cross-party event, held in Westminster Hall, saw politicians urge English Football League (EFL) executives to change their rules and bring the National League in line with the rest of the professional pyramid.

The campaign is seeking three promotion spots from the National League into League Two, arguing that the current two-place system is out of step with other divisions.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, attended the event and photo call in a show of support. The National League said the campaign has the backing of 93% of supporters following a year-long push, which included a national “Day of Action” where more than 200 clubs kicked off at 3.03pm to highlight the issue.

The EFL has confirmed it will formally discuss 3UP at its all-club meetings in the week beginning 2 March, but no vote has yet been scheduled.

National League chair Jack Pearce welcomed the move and said the league was willing to work with the EFL to secure change.

He said: “We welcome this step forward from the EFL, the general response to our campaign over the last 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable. Virtually the whole of the ‘football family’ backs the change. Even the EFL recently conceded the current arrangements are ‘indefensible’ in the long term.

“The EFL maintain that 3UP should be part of wider football financial reform. We at the National League believe that will take many more years while 3UP would be a simple, quick fix. It has been 23 years since we gained a second promotional place. The time is now – particularly with wider football issues being scrutinised by the new Independent Football Regulator.

“We also feel that during the last 12 months we have proven why 3UP should not be interdependent on wider, complex governance issues. Now that the EFL has scheduled a formal debate of its own clubs, we suggest working in partnership with them to help secure a successful club vote and get 3UP in place for next season.”

The campaign has also been raised in Parliament. It was recently commended during Prime Minister’s Questions and was the subject of a House of Commons adjournment debate last month.

Torbay MP Steve Darling said the issue had direct implications for clubs such as Torquay United FC.

He said: “3UP affects all of us too. As supporters of our local team, Torquay United FC, we know first-hand the positive effect the team can have for the community and businesses in the area. Having a fairer pathway into the EFL means that we’re on a level playing field when it comes to competing for promotion.”

The Westminster event was coordinated by Dr. Beccy Cooper, MP for Worthing West, whose constituency includes Worthing FC of the National League South.

Dr Cooper said: “I am proud to support the 3UP campaign, which will help secure the financial stability of vital community-based clubs and protect the unique heritage of our football pyramid. As we have seen this week, the pressure on the EFL is now at tipping point and we are urging the EFL executive to make this change happen for next season. Clubs like Worthing FC play such a significant role both in our towns and in grassroots development, and fully deserve the opportunities, recognition, and financial reward that this change will bring.”

The renewed political pressure comes ahead of Macclesfield FC’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Premier League side Brentford FC on 16 February. Macclesfield compete in the National League North and were one of three National League sides to reach the third round of the competition this season.

The EFL has said its clubs will vote on proposed structural changes to their own end-of-season play-off arrangements next month, while discussions on the introduction of three promotions from the National League are also scheduled.