Keir Starmer Told to “Put Fans First” By Including Touting Ban in Next Week’s King’s Speech

Key Takeaways

• FanFair Alliance urges Starmer to add ticket‑tout ban to King's Speech.
• Government announced outright ban but legislation still pending.
• Draft‑bill route could postpone law until 2027/28, delaying relief.
• UK fans lose ~£145 million ($184 million) annually to profiteering touts.
• Delay could cost consumers up to £500 million ($635 million) overall.

Pulse Analysis

Ticket touting has become a flashpoint for UK fans, with O2 and YouGov research estimating that profiteering resale siphons roughly £145 million ($184 million) from music lovers each year. The practice inflates prices on platforms such as Viagogo and StubHub, undermining the affordability of live entertainment and prompting consumer backlash. By targeting the secondary market, policymakers aim to preserve the cultural value of concerts, theatre, and sport while safeguarding disposable income for a broad demographic.

The King’s Speech traditionally outlines the government’s legislative agenda, and advocates see it as the most direct route to codify the promised ban. However, ministers are leaning toward publishing a draft bill for consultation—a process that can extend the timeline by several years. Draft bills allow amendments before formal introduction, but in this case the consultation has already occurred, and the extra step may unnecessarily stall implementation. Comparatively, countries like Australia and Germany have enacted swift secondary‑market restrictions, suggesting the UK could move faster without sacrificing scrutiny.

For the live‑event ecosystem, a delayed ban translates into lost revenue for artists, venues, and ancillary services that depend on ticket sales. Industry bodies such as LIVE warn that postponement could cost consumers up to £500 million ($635 million) by 2028, eroding public confidence and potentially prompting legal challenges. A decisive legislative push would not only honor the government’s election pledge but also set a precedent for regulating digital marketplaces, reinforcing consumer protection in an increasingly online economy.