00:01The base is continuing over whether future Olympic and Paralympic Games could be staged
00:05in the north of England, with London's Mayor Sussadiq Khan warning that excluding the capital
00:11would risk missing out on major opportunities and benefits for the UK.
00:15Ministers have asked UK Sport to carry out an initial assessment into whether the Games
00:20could be hosted outside London in the 2040s, examining costs, transport infrastructure,
00:26and the potential economic impact of a UK-wide bid proposal at this stage officially.
00:32Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy says the government is starting the firing gun on planning,
00:37arguing that a northern-led Olympics could bring investment, regeneration and sporting legacy
00:43benefits, while critics question whether costs and infrastructure requirements can realistically
00:49be met in full detail. Sussadiq Khan's team says London remains central to any credible UK Olympic
00:56bid, arguing that using existing venues such as London Stadium could reduce costs, improve
01:02sustainability and maximise economic growth across the country, including regions beyond the capital
01:07area perspective. The International Olympic Committee is increasingly open to regional or
01:13multi-city bids as UK leaders continue feasibility work, with final decisions resting with national
01:20sporting bodies alongside new government plans to support stadium regeneration and local economic
01:25development across the UK.
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