Labour backs 2030 UK World Cup bid
2 min read
Labour have called on the Government to back a bid for the UK to host the 2030 World Cup to mark the centenary year of the tournament.
In a joint letter to newly-appointed sports minister Jeremy Wright, Labour deputy leader Tom Watson and Shadow Sports Minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said it was time to “capitalise on the renewed passion” for the England team following their performance in Russia .
It has been 52 years since the UK last hosted the major sporting event, after an attempt to host this year’s tournament was unsuccessful.
“The performance of Gareth Southgate’s young England side has captivated millions of English football fans - uniting the country and creating pride in the national side that we have not seen for many years," the pair wrote.
“This is why we are imploring you to support any bid from the English FA and their counterparts in the other nations of the UK for the 2030 World Cup. The 2030 tournament will mark the centenary of the World Cup tournament itself - what could be more fitting than for it to be held in the home of football?”
They added that a UK bid had already received support from UEFA President Alexsander Ceferin, who said “British football deserves” to host a World Cup final.
Speaking on Sky’s Sophy Ridge programme, Mr Watson said it had been “fantastic” to see the country united “after a very difficult year”.
“We don’t know who is going to be in Government in a few year's time. But if we are in Government, I hope it is one of the first things that a Labour government does, to work with our FA to try and put a World Cup bid together.
“If the Conservatives are still in government then we’d like to work with them to make sure a bid is successful.”
He added: “It could bring the country together. It could bring us hope.”
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