Labour Government will not underwrite Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as bid hangs by a thread
Keir Starmer has said “no final decision” has been made about Glasgow riding to the rescue to host a scaled back Commonwealth Games. But his Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the Government would not underwrite the plan despite being “enthusiastic” returning to the city in 2026.
Commonwealth Games Scotland has offered to stage the Games twelve years after Glasgow last did so after Victoria controversially pulled out. Around £100m in compensation has been secured from the Victorian Government, but the SNP administration has been cautious given the potential for public funds.
Speaking to the Scottish press, the Prime Minister said: “There is a difficulty with the Games, which was not of our making and we want to be supportive. We will talk to the Scottish Government about this. No final decision has been made.”
READ MORE: Keir Starmer defends Winter Fuel Payment cut and takes swipe at the SNP
READ MORE: Winter Fuel Payment cut slammed by former Scottish Labour leader as critics round on UK Government
Murray said about the prospect of a Glasgow Games: “We're enthusiastic about this. We want the Commonwealth Games, if there's an opportunity to bring them to Scotland.”
He added: "I think the UK and Scottish Governments have both been clear. There's no public money to invest or underwrite the Commonwealth Games, but we're leaving no stone unturned in what we can do to help. There's obviously a role for the UK Government in terms of visas, wider security issues around terrorism, those kinds of issues.
Asked if he is confident Glasgow will get the games, he said: “I'd be happy for them to get the Games. We want them to get the Games.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Discussions are underway with the United Kingdom Government and Glasgow City Council regarding the proposal to host the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026."
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here