00:00Leaders from across Northern England have written jointly to the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy,
00:05arguing that any future United Kingdom Olympic and Paralympic bid should be anchored outside the capital.
00:12The letter, sent under the Great North Partnership, says hosting the Games in the North would spread major events more evenly and build on existing assets.
00:21Supporters point to established stadiums and arenas, elite training sites, transport hubs, accommodation and broadcasting capability already operating at scale.
00:33They say a Northern Games could accelerate regeneration and investment, while promoting participation in sport and culture over the long term.
00:42Several mayors, including figures from Greater Manchester, the North East, West Yorkshire and Hull and East Yorkshire, have publicly endorsed the approach.
00:52However, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport says government does not decide where bids are based.
00:58It says the British Olympic Association leads decisions on whether to bid, with government support considered later.
01:04The association has not confirmed whether it plans a future bid.
01:08London last hosted the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012, delivering new venues and housing, though assessments of its legacy remain mixed.
01:18Any proposal would require detailed feasibility work, funding agreements, security planning and international approval before formal submission to Olympic and Paralympic bodies worldwide authorities.
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