In a remarkable show of political support, dozens of MPs gathered in Westminster to support the National League’s popular 3UP campaign – which seeks a third promotion place in line with the rest of the professional football pyramid.

Politicians from all parties unified behind the campaign at Westminster Hall and called on English Football League (EFL) executives to facilitate an urgent change to its rules.

Carlisle MP Julie Minns was among those in attendance and said: “3UP affects all of us.

“As supporters of our local team, Carlisle United, we know first-hand the positive effect the team can have for the community and businesses in the area.

“Having a fairer pathway into the EFL means that we’re on a level playing field when it comes to competing for promotion.”

Significantly, the DCMS Secretary of State Lisa Nandy MP attended the event and photo shoot to support 3UP.

The 3UP campaign already has the widespread backing of football fans, clubs and media after a year-long campaign that has seen 93 percent of supporters endorse the issue and a national ‘Day of Action’ with 200 clubs kicking off at 3.03pm – to highlight the inconsistency between the leagues.

The EFL recently announced they would formally discuss the matter next month, by tabling 3UP as an agenda point for its ‘all-club’ meetings.

However, they have not scheduled a vote on the issue.

National League Chair Jack Pearce welcomed EFL discussions and suggested the league can work together with the EFL to make 3UP happen.

Pearce said: “We welcome this step forward from the EFL, the general response to our campaign over the last 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable.

“Virtually the whole of the ‘football family’ backs the change.

“Even the EFL recently conceded the current arrangements are ‘indefensible’ in the long term.

“The EFL maintain that 3UP should be part of wider football financial reform.

“We at the National League believe that will take many more years while 3UP would be a simple, quick fix.

“It has been 23 years since we gained a second promotional place.

“The time is now – particularly with wider football issues being scrutinised by the new Independent Football Regulator.

“We also feel that during the last 12 months we have proven why 3UP should not be interdependent on wider, complex governance issues.

“Now that the EFL has scheduled a formal debate of its own clubs, we suggest working in partnership with them to help secure a successful club vote and get 3UP in place for next season.”

The Westminster photo-call is the latest political activity in support of the 3UP campaign.

The initiative was recently ‘commended’ at Prime Minister’s Questions.

Last month there was a supportive House of Commons Adjournment Debate on the issue and last year there was an All-Party Parliamentary Group meeting of politicians to discuss the matter.

The latest show of support was coordinated by Dr. Beccy Cooper, MP for Worthing West who was accompanied by Worthing FC Chair Barry Hunter.

The football club in Dr. Cooper’s constituency and currently competes in the National League South.

Dr. Cooper MP said: “I am proud to support the 3UP campaign, which will help secure the financial stability of vital community-based clubs and protect the unique heritage of our football pyramid.

“The pressure on the EFL is now at tipping point and we are urging the EFL executive to make this change happen for next season.

“Clubs like Worthing FC play such a significant role both in our towns and in grassroots development, and fully deserve the opportunities, recognition, and financial reward that this change will bring.”

These latest calls for action happen in the lead up to Macclesfield FC’s match against Premier League high-flyers Brentford in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup on Monday, February 16.

Macclesfield compete in the National League North, with over 100 places between the two teams in the football pyramid.

Last month, Macclesfield knocked out FA Cup holders Crystal Palace FC in the biggest-ever upset of the world’s oldest cup competition.

Macclesfield were one of three National League teams taking part in the fabled Third Round of the FA Cup, showing once again the professional standard of the league.

The EFL has scheduled meetings of its clubs next month in the week beginning Monday, March 2, and they will discuss the issue of introducing three promotions from the National League into EFL League 2.

Meanwhile, the EFL has confirmed its clubs will vote on proposed structural changes to its own end of season play-off arrangements.