Prime Minister Keir Starmer has written to broadcaster TNT Sports, requesting that next weekend's Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain be made free to view. The match, set for Budapest on Saturday evening, will mark the first time British fans cannot watch the final without a subscription.
In his letter, Starmer said he was “saddened” that the game would not be free, adding that the final of Europe's premier club competition should remain accessible. “Hard-working people should not have to worry about forking out for a subscription to watch a game of this magnitude,” he wrote. The cheapest TNT package costs £4.99 per month via HBO Max.
TNT responded by stating it had made all three UEFA finals available for £4.99, describing it as “exceptional value”. The request comes amid political turmoil for Starmer, who suffered heavy losses in this month's local elections and faces a potential leadership challenge from Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.
Labour MP Liam Byrne warned the party was stuck in a “managerial meh”, with the Greens capturing hope and Reform UK capturing anger. Byrne suggested voters see Burnham as a “fighter”, and said Labour risked further decline if it did not address the rise of populism.
