UK formally assesses bid for England to host Olympics in 2040s

The government is looking into a potential bid for the north of England to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the 2040s.

Ministers have commissioned UK Sport to assess the viability of a potential bid which, if successful, would see the Olympics return to Britain for the first time since the Games in London in 2012.

The assessment will examine the costs, the socio-economic benefits to the north, and the likelihood of any bid being successful.

While London has hosted the Olympics three times, in 1908, 1948 and 2012, no other part of the UK ever has.

The plans were hailed by two ministers whose constituencies are in the north: Culture Secretary and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey.

'It's time the Olympics came north'

Ms Nandy said: "London 2012 showed what the Olympics can do for our country. It inspired a generation through sport, attracted huge investment and showed the best of Britain to the world.

"But while the north of England has driven so much sporting excellence, no matter the talent we produce, the sporting moments we create, and the world-class events we attract - for too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the North.

"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."

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Chancellor Reeves said: "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.

"That's why we're throwing our full support behind bringing the games back home which will boost our Northern Growth Corridor.

"It's also why we're backing stadium regeneration plans, like at Elland Road, to deliver new homes, business opportunities and public spaces in Leeds and beyond."

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