Winchester’s MP, Steve Brine, participated in a DCMS Select Committee session exploring the scientific evidence on head trauma in sport and links with neurodegenerative disease like dementia.
The Committee were joined by leading experts as MP’s questioned them about the incidence of disease among professional players, how risks might be mitigated, and dangers for younger people involved in sport.
Steve and the other members also explored calls for changes to be made in sport and the role of national governing bodies with research and support charities Headway, the Alzheimer’s Society and the charity, UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum.
DCMS Committee’s Chair Julian Knight MP, on the inquiry, said: “This inquiry will consider scientific evidence to link sport with the incidence of long-term brain injury.
“We will look particularly at what role national governing bodies should be taking and their responsibilities to understand risks involved for players and what actions might be taken to mitigate them.
“We’re seeing a number of cases involving brain injury in sport likely to reach the doors of our law courts and we will also look at the implications for sport in the longer term of any successful legal claim.”
In a second session, at a later date, Steve and the Committee will hear from individual players and governing bodies. Further information on the inquiry can be found at https://committees.parliament.uk/work/977/concussion-in-sport/
