Plans for the Olympic Games in northern England backed by government
The Government has backed plans to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the north of England for the very first time, reports BritPanorama.
Ministers have commissioned an assessment by UK Sport, which could pave the way for a bid for the summer Games in the 2040s. If successful, this would mark the first instance of the Olympic Games being hosted in Britain since London 2012, and the fourth time overall.
The strategic assessment will explore the costs, the socio-economic benefits to the North, and the feasibility of the bid.
Supporting the initiative are Culture Secretary and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy, alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey. Ms Nandy highlighted the inspirational impact of London 2012, stating that it demonstrated how the Olympics can benefit the country and elevate its global profile.
“But while the north of England has driven so much sporting excellence, for too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the North,” she said.
She further emphasized, “Not any more. It’s time the Olympics came north and we showed what we can offer to the world. I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that we’re starting the firing gun on a long overdue vote of confidence in the North.”
Although London 2012 had a hosting cost of £8.77 billion, it is estimated to have generated around £14.2 billion in trade and investment benefits for the UK economy within two years following the Games. Projections suggest a potential economic legacy of up to £41 billion over the subsequent decade.
Ms Reeves remarked, “Britain’s sporting prowess is recognised and respected around the world. It’s something we are determined to capitalise on to breathe life into our communities and build a stronger and more secure economy.”
Moreover, a Sporting Events Bill has been introduced to Parliament, aimed at simplifying the process of bidding for major sporting events. Currently, Britain stands as the sole bidder for the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup and will co-host the men’s Euros in 2028 alongside Ireland.
This summer, the UK is set to host the Women’s T20 World Cup, the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Government support also extends to facilitating bids for the World Athletics and Para-Athletics Championships in 2029.
The appointment of Labour peer Lord McConnell as Ministerial Adviser on Soft Power and Major Events is notable, considering his prior experience in successfully campaigning for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow in 2014.
As Britain looks to the future of major sporting events, the prospect of the Olympics returning to the North may echo a pivotal moment in the nation’s sporting history, while highlighting the shifting dynamics of the UK’s connection to global athletics.
