I start by not thanking the noble Lord, Lord Birt, for his update on the score, because I am hoping to catch the highlights at the end. So I hope that, when he speaks further on his amendments, we will have no further updates; that is a small plea.

On a more serious matter, I too add my thanks to the Minister for listening and bringing forward this series of amendments. They cover the sentiment of what I think we all agree the noble Lord, Lord Pannick, and others were trying to do with their light touch. I must admit that I am particularly taken by the points made by my noble friends Lady Brady and Lord Fuller around a variable-touch model. We will move on to talk on day two about some of the other things. There was a big consensus around the House on trying to promote independent and non-exec directors on the boards of these clubs. Again, this is something that will come up later.

What we want more than anything is well-run clubs and a system in which, if a club is well run and has independent non-exec directors who are making sure it is run in a good manner, we really do have a light-touch model. At the same time, we should have flexibility. If there are greater concerns, there should be a heavier touch. Again, we have precedent for this. We have so-called special measures in schools and situations such as those.

I thank the Minister for recognising that sentiment about a light touch and bringing it forward. As the Bill goes through the Lords, I would ask her to consider whether we can bring a variable touch so that there is not just a one-size-fits-all approach and that, if clubs show that they are well run and reputable, they will not need the same level of scrutiny and the same burdens placed on them as those that are in more difficulties. With that, I welcome these amendments and I wish to hear the Minister’s thoughts on the idea of a variable-touch model.