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On Monday 9 November, MPs will debate petitions relating to live events and weddings during Covid-19.

• Watch the debate (from 6pm) 
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate 

The debate will be led by Petitions Committee member Elliot Colburn MP. MPs from all parties can take part, and a Minister from the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy will respond on behalf of the Government.  

Elliot Colburn MP comments 

“Having had to move my own wedding because of the pandemic, I know the frustration and the pain of having to cancel after months or even years of planning can bring. I am pleased that this petitions debate will give us the opportunity to share some of the stories of the many other couples who have been affected.  

 “It is also an opportunity for us to show our support for the live events industry, such as nightclubs, dance music events and festivals, many of which have not been able to re-open at all even during periods of relaxed restrictions. As we enter tougher restrictions once more, I hope this can be an opportunity to demonstrate the problems faced by this particularly badly-hit industry.” 

Increase number of guests permitted at weddings, according to venue capacity 

The petition, which has more than 109,000 signatures, states: “Weddings take months and even years of intricate planning. Myself and many others believe the maximum number of guests authorised at wedding ceremonies should be increased. The number of guests permitted at weddings should be calculated according to venue capacity.” 

In response to the petition, the Government said: “Wedding ceremonies and celebrations can go ahead provided COVID-Secure guidelines are followed. However social distancing guidance remains, including limiting attendees at weddings to 30 people.” 

Let Us Dance – Support nightclubs, dance music events and festivals 

The petition, which has more than 145,000 signatures, states: “Extend funding to nightclubs, dance music events and festivals as part of the £1.57bn support package announced by the government for Britain's arts and culture sector to survive the hit from the pandemic. #LetUSDance.” 

In response to the petition, the Government said: “On 12th Oct, we announced the recipients of £257M of the £1.57B Cultural Recovery Fund package to support cultural organisations. More than 1,300 are benefitting from this vital financial boost.” 

What are petitions debates? 

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers. 

Stay up-to-date 

Follow the Committee on Twitter for real-time updates on its work  

Join in the discussion using hashtag #EventsWeddingsDebate