Tessa Jowell, Britain’s Culture, Media and Sport Secretary wrote a four-page letter to Britain’s Prime Minister and Cabinet colleagues, urging the government to back London’s bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
In the letter, which The Observer obtained, Jowell says, “the Games almost invariably provide a huge boost to national pride and the image of the host country and host city around the world. Even bidding for the Games will help to boost Britain’s profile on the world stage and will boost international business by showing that we are a can-do nation that is willing and ready to showcase a modern city”.
Although she said that the cost of staging the Olympics could be high – the main reason why other Cabinet Ministers are cool about the idea, she said “…it is hard to put a price on national feelgood”.
The Observer says that the fact the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee would fall in 2012 should help Britain secure the backing of IOC members from Commonwealth countries.
The newspaper reports that although a final decision is “likely but not absolutely certain” to be reached this week, the situation with Iraq may force another postponement.
