13-09-04

Olympic bid must benefit whole of UK — Barrett

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today challenged the Government to ensure the 2012 Olympic bid is a trulyUKwide bid and that if successful, the benefits are made available to every corner of the country.
 
Mr Barrett made the call during questions to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell, in the House of Commons today.  It was the first time Parliament had discussed the issue since the Athens Olympics last month.
 
In her answer to Mr Barrett, the Minister admitted this was one of one the most important questions facing the Olympic bid.  She pledged to ensure every part of theUKhad the opportunity to benefit fromLondonacting as centre stage for a successful Olympic games in 2012.
 
Commenting, John Barrett added:
 
“There was a real sense of national pride when so many of our athletes, like Kelly Holmes and Edinburgh’s own Chris Hoy return from Athens with gold medals.  Just think how we would feel ifUKcompetitors were to have that same kind of success on home soil.
 
“However, one of the problems the International Olympic Committee has associated with the London 2012 bid is the apparent lack of support out withLondonand the South East. 
 
“I am delighted to see the Minister agrees with me about the importance of this issue.  We must ensure everyone in theUK, including people inEdinburgh, have the opportunity to involve themselves in this bid and if successful, the Games themselves.  However, the Minister must now turn her warm words into action and where possible, learn from the experiences inAthens.  She and the rest of the Government must ensure all parts of the country recognise and receive the enormous benefits of theUKstaging the 2012 Olympics.”
 
ENDS