Morecambe FC crisis: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks out on Shrimps' plight

Sir Keir Starmer speaking about the crisis at Morecambe FC earlier today. Image: Greatest Hits Radio

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken out on the crisis at Morecambe Football Club.

The PM, speaking to Greatest Hits Radio today, said "we have to do everything we can" to protect Morecambe and other football clubs who are struggling.

Morecambe Football Club is currently suspended from the National League, unable to start the new league season this weekend, and has been removed from this season's National League Cup.

The club could be expelled from the league altogether after a meeting on August 20. 

Staff at the club were paid only a third of their salaries in June and none in July, and a proposed sale of Morecambe FC has stalled.

Bills have been unpaid and the Shrimps are under a transfer embargo, preventing them from signing new players.

"In relation to Morecambe, I'm very concerned about the situation and urge all concerned to do the right thing to ensure that we get the outcome that every Morecambe fan, every football fan wants, which is a thriving and successful club," said the Prime Minister.

"Morecambe is a classic example of place, of football, of pride in the community, that we need to ensure and to protect. What we are doing with football governance is absolutely focussed on that.

"Morecambe (Football Club) matters to the people of Morecambe, to the community, to the fans. Fans were queuing to get the kit in recent days notwithstanding the difficulties.

Below, Shrimps supporters queueing on the Promenade on Tuesday evening to buy the 2025/26 Morecambe FC kit at the former Beach Cafe 

"These are pride of place issues and whether it's Morecambe or other clubs we have to do everything we can to make sure they are not only surviving but that they have an opportunity to thrive. 

"In relation to the particular case of Morecambe, I want everybody to do the right thing so that Morecambe can thrive.

"But I would say this across all football clubs, particularly those that are struggling, we need to protect them. We need to do everything we can to make sure that they survive and thrive."

When asked if the government would consider stepping in, Mr Starmer said: "At this moment I think it's right to say that all those involved need to do the right thing by Morecambe.

"There are already discussions going on. There is a way through this. I'd urge everyone to do the right thing to get to the right outcome. It really matters."

Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, recently wrote to Jason Whittingham of club owners Bond Group Investments, calling on him to complete a sale of the club.

Read more: Morecambe FC crisis: Top government minister calls on Shrimps owner to sell club - Beyond Radio

Sports investment firm Panjab Warriors were given English Football League (EFL) clearance in June, to proceed with their proposed takeover. But Bond Group has not completed on the deal after previously announcing that final terms had been agreed.

In the meantime the cash-strapped club has virtually ground to a halt. However there were still a small number of employees working at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium when Beyond Radio visited on Wednesday.

The launch of the new Shrimps kit, being held at the Beach Cafe in Morecambe from Tuesday to Thursday, has seen large queues and high demand. 

Read more: Morecambe FC fans queue for hours in show of unity amid huge demand for new kit - Beyond Radio

More from Local News

On Air Now Beyond Drive 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Now Playing
Oh Caroline The 1975 Download
Recently Played

Recently Played Songs