I have today appointed David Davies OBE as the independent Chairman to carry out a review of the listed events regime and to make recommendations to me about the future and content of the UK's list. The Chairman will lead an advisory group, whose membership will be broadly drawn and include sporting, broadcasting and wider business expertise. The group will also have a perspective from the devolved nations. The Chairman and advisory group will be supported by a project team within my Department.

I have agreed that the review should cover three main areas:

The principle of having a list;

The criteria against which events may be listed; and

The content of any list itself.

The review process will include consultation with broadcasters, rights holders and the public as appropriate. The review will also take account of relevant research.

The advisory group will bring forward recommendations to me in the second half of next year.