Law proposed to guarantee maximum ticket prices following Oasis backlash

21 October 2024, 13:35

Oasis distanced themselves from the 'dynamic pricing' model in September
Oasis distanced themselves from the 'dynamic pricing' model in September. Picture: Alamy

By Will Conroy

A law guaranteeing maximum prices has been proposed following the backlash over the dynamic model used for the sale of tickets for the Oasis reunion.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Fans waited for hours in an online Ticketmaster queue in August before facing as much as £350 per ticket, around £200 more than had been advertised due to extremely high demand.

Labour MP Rupa Huq has now put forward the Sale of Tickets Bill to the House of Commons in a bid, she says, to improve transparency on pricing and protect consumers.

Fans waited for hours in an online Ticketmaster queue in August before facing as much as £350 per ticket
Fans waited for hours in an online Ticketmaster queue in August before facing as much as £350 per ticket. Picture: PA

Ms Huq, who is the MP for Ealing Central and Acton, said: “As a lifelong music fan, I, like many of the nation, was scandalised to see the recent situation where people were queuing up for the best part of a day to get Oasis tickets.

“And the pressure is immense when you’re refreshing for six hours to find yourself then finally at the top of the queue, you feel you have to go for it. But by then the ticket is five times the price of what you thought it was when advertised.”

Ms Huq added: “From a consumer protection point of view, our constituents would like some certainty and so this Bill would enshrine in statute a maximum price.”

Labour MP Rupa Huq has now put forward the Sale of Tickets Bill to the House of Commons
Labour MP Rupa Huq has now put forward the Sale of Tickets Bill to the House of Commons. Picture: Alamy

The government and the UK’s competition watchdog have both pledged to look into the practice while the Prime Minister has also promised to get a “grip” on the issue.

Asked if he could change the law in September, Sir Keir Starmer told the BBC: “We’re consulting, and it may well mean adjustments.”

Read more: Oasis hit out at Ticketmaster over 'dynamic pricing' row

Read more: Liam Gallagher says 'imposters' are not welcome at Oasis reunion concerts after criticism of his 'angelic tones'

Oasis distanced themselves from the “dynamic pricing” model in September.

A statement from the band said: "It needs to be made clear that Oasis leave decisions on ticketing and pricing entirely to their promoters and management, and at no time had any awareness that dynamic pricing was going to be used.”

Oasis distanced themselves from the 'dynamic pricing' model in September.
Oasis distanced themselves from the 'dynamic pricing' model in September. Picture: Getty Images

Ms Huq, who said she watched Oasis live in the 1990s, added: “There should be some certainty, some predictability, particularly as we’re in a cost-of-living crisis… The ticket merchants can literally double it, triple it, think of a number – infinity and beyond.

“This won’t outlaw dynamic pricing, it’s just introducing transparency and certainty because there is a place for the market as well.”

Ms Huq is currently developing the text for the Bill which has attracted support from MPs from different parties and could be considered further in the House of Commons on 6 December.

Ministers have said the government will launch a consultation on the secondary ticket market in the autumn.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Rust is "haunted by death and scandal", critics have said as the Alec Baldwin movie is released

Alec Baldwin movie Rust 'haunted' by cinematographer shooting, critics say

Exclusive
Lord Hogan-Howe slammed the IOPC decision as 'awful'

Ex Met chief Lord Hogan-Howe slams 'awful' gross misconduct probe into officer who shot dead Chris Kaba

People have a swim on a pond in Hampstead Heath park to cool off from the heat.

Hampstead Ladies pond lets trans women enter as feminists vow to 'reclaim' bathing spot

Exclusive
The car ened up in a ditch in France

Police Charity road trip scuppered after officers spin in oil and crash into a ditch

Chris Eubank Jr (right) in action against Conor Benn (left). Eubank jr says he underwent eye surgery

Chris Eubank Jr says he needed eye surgery after ‘headbutt’ in Conor Benn fight

A Russian drone strike overnight killed at least two people and wounded 15 others in a residential area of Odesa

Russia launches deadly drone strike on Ukraine hours after Kyiv signs minerals deal with US

Baller League UK - Match Day Two - VIP's

Maya Jama finally confirms romance with Ruben Dias after months of speculation

The boy got into difficulty while swimming at  Colwick Country Park

Body recovered after boy, 16 went missing while swimming in lake at country park

Exclusive
Locals to the Calton area are claiming it's also fuelled an 'out of control' situation with needles left in their streets.

Furious residents near UK's first drug consumption room rally over 'needle nightmare'

One of Britain's most iconic breweries is closing.

One of UK's most-iconic breweries to close its doors after than 40 years as owner issues heartbreaking statement

Jade Damarell, 32,

Probe launched after veteran skydiver dies during jump - with concerns of 'deliberate act'

Simon Patterson arrives to the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court in Morwell, Victoria

Man 'still cares' for ex-wife accused of killing his parents with deadly Beef Wellington, trial hears

Exclusive
Organised criminal gangs are smuggling tonnes of ‘killer meat’ into the UK in bin bags – stashing it in cars and coach luggage compartments without refrigeration for days.

Gangs smuggling tonnes of ‘killer meat’ into UK in bin bags - as LBC told risk of ‘explosive’ disease at ‘all-time high’

Lamine Yamal plays during the match between FC Barcelona and Football Club Internazionale Milano

Lamine Yamal shines as Barcelona and Inter Milan draw 3-3 in Champions League semi-final classic

Exclusive
Chris Kaba

Chris Kaba cop colleague warns 'public safety at risk' over gross misconduct hearing decision

J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter stars take swipe at JK Rowling as they sign open letter supporting trans people