The National League’s campaign to create an extra promotional place into EFL League Two received a timely boost this week with MPs from all sides of the House of Commons giving their public backing to the cause.

Ahead of the Second Reading of the Football Governance Bill, MPs from the Conservative, Democratic Unionist, Labour and Liberal Democrat Parties put their names to an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling for three promotion places from the National League into EFL League Two.

During the debate itself, the issue was referenced by MPs including former DCMS Secretary of State Sir Oliver Dowden MP, whilst Jonathan Brash MP outlined in detail his support for the cause. Dowden has National League South club Boreham Wood FC in his constituency whilst Brash has Hartlepool United FC, who play in the National League.

Mr Brash said: “I believe that the new regulator has a chance to act on the campaigns and priorities of fans. As a proud supporter of a National League club who sincerely hopes that we leave that league - in the right direction - as soon as possible, I propose that the newly established regulator focuses on and champions the 3UP Campaign, which is being led by the National League. That campaign calls for the promotion of three clubs from the National League to the (English) Football League, aligning it with the rest of the football pyramid.

“As the new regulator leads discussions with the Premier League regarding the redistribution of football income, it must ensure that the needs of the National League are not overlooked during that process. It must use its new powers to intervene - if necessary - in the distribution of revenue if it becomes clear that the National League is being ignored. Redistribution of the vast wealth that exists in football clubs to places like Hartlepool is critical not only for the clubs but for the communities they serve.

“We can foster growth in every part of our country if we get this right. Our football clubs, communities and fans are at the forefront of this legislation. If done right, it has the ability to return football to what it always has been and should be: for the fans, by the fans - once more, the people’s game.”

Mr Brash’s comments follow a comprehensive Football Supporters Association survey that demonstrated fans of all leagues “overwhelmingly” support a change in the rules to three promotions. It found 93% of all fans backed the initiative and 87% of supporters felt it should be in place for the coming season (25/26).

Following this week’s debate and the Department of Culture Media and Sport announcing David Kogan as its preferred candidate to Chair the new Independent Football Regulator (IFR), National League Jack Pearce said: “We recognise that the IFR will not – and should not – have the remit to get involved with the specific issues of promotion and relegation between leagues.

“However, we believe that 3UP would significantly contribute to the overall objectives of the Football Governance Bill - to increase economic resilience of the league and help protect the heritage of our clubs.

“Equally, we do not believe the issue of 3UP should be dependent on wider football issues that could potentially take years to resolve. It’s been over two decades since the National League secured a second promotional place and we continue to urge the EFL to help us progress this matter as a priority. In a month where play-offs are taking place up and down the country, across all leagues, the disparity across the football pyramid is made even more obvious.”

The EDM on 3UP was tabled by Kate Osborne MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East whose constituency includes South Shields FC who play in the National League North division.