"People in the south of England enjoy opera and ballet but football clubs are what matter to those living further north, a Conservative MP has said.
Former minister Jake Berry made the comparison as he warned "northern culture" is being hit by Covid-19.
He pressed the government to intervene to "save" football clubs.
But his comments were criticised by the Northern Ballet as it perpetuates "tropes that culture in the north is of less value than that in London".
The former northern powerhouse minister compared Accrington Stanley to the Royal Ballet as he insisted action is required from Westminster to help protect clubs that are the "cornerstone" of communities."
Northerners prefer football to ballet, Jake Berry MP says - BBC News
Opera, ballet
Former minister Jake Berry made the comparison as he warned "northern culture" is being hit by Covid-19.
He pressed the government to intervene to "save" football clubs.
But his comments were criticised by the Northern Ballet as it perpetuates "tropes that culture in the north is of less value than that in London".
The former northern powerhouse minister compared Accrington Stanley to the Royal Ballet as he insisted action is required from Westminster to help protect clubs that are the "cornerstone" of communities."
Northerners prefer football to ballet, Jake Berry MP says - BBC News
Opera, ballet
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