All up for the Challenge Cup - Jo Crotty warns against Labour attempts to sell Challenge Cup rights.

12.29.00pm GMT Wed 18th Nov 2009

Councillor Jo Crotty, Prospective Lib Dem MP for Warrington South, has expressed serious concern at the recommendation to the Labour Government to remove the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final from the sports 'A' list for television coverage.

The 'A' list features the sports in the UK that are deemed to be the 'Crown Jewels' that should be enjoyed by all and whose broadcasting rights therefore must remain with free to all TV channels - these include the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

A report commissioned by the then Secretary of State Andy Burnham (who has since been replaced by Ben Bradshaw) last December is expected to remove several key sports from the A list including the Challenge Cup Final.

The result of this would be the rights being sold to big broadcasting corporations which rely on subscriptions such as Sky. This would mean that many people would no longer have immediate access to the event.

"This would be nothing short of a disaster" said Jo. "Rugby undoubtedly brings this town together and is a cornerstone of the Warrington identity".

Councillor Crotty added "The evidence of how important the Challenge Cup is to the people of Warrington can be seen in the mass support of the Wolves at the last Challenge Cup Final and the subsequent victory parade which included over 20,000 Warrington fans.

If the Labour Government accept this move it could clearly prejudice Warrington and the North where Rugby League is in the blood. I urge Ben Bradshaw to drop this recommendation now."