Britain formally backs plans to host Olympics in the north of England

The Government has backed plans to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the north of England for the very first time.

Ministers have commissioned an assessment by UK Sport which could lead to a bid for the summer Games in the 2040s.

If successful, the northern bid would mark the first time the Olympic Games have been hosted in Britain since London 2012, and the fourth time ever.

The strategic assessment will examine the costs, the socio-economic benefits to the North, and the bid's chance of success.

Backing the plans are two ministers whose seats are in the North: Culture Secretary and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey.

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."

While hosting it cost £8.77billion, London 2012 is thought to have generated some £14.2billion in trade and investment benefits for the UK economy in the two years following the Games.

Longer-term estimates suggest the economic legacy generated up to £41billion over the following 10 years.

Ms 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.

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"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."

Meanwhile, a Sporting Events Bill has been introduced to Parliament, which is aimed at making it easier to bid for major sporting events.

Right now, Britain is the sole bidder for the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup - and will host the men's Euros in 2028 alongside Ireland.

This summer, the UK will host the Women's T20 World Cup, the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

While ministers are also backing bids to host the World Athletics and Para-Athletics Championships in 2029.

The Government has appointed Labour peer Lord McConnell as a Ministerial Adviser on Soft Power and Major Events.

Scotland's former First Minister was selected for the role because of his experience in campaigning to take the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow in 2014.