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BROWN TO BACK WORLD CUP BID
BROWN PLEDGES: WE'LL BACK 2018 WORLD CUP BID
By Oonagh Blackman, Political Editor 13/02/2007
GORDON Brown yesterday declared England ready to host the 2018 World Cup - even though it could cost well over £1billion.
He claimed staging the contest following the 2012 Olympics - and for the first time since England won it in 1966 - would create the UK's "greatest ever sporting decade".
He added: "I believe it is time the tournament returned to the nation which gave football to the world. I will make it my personal mission over the next few years to persuade countries around the world to support that bid."
On a visit to the new Wembley stadium with Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell and Sports Minister Richard Caborn, Mr Brown said a feasibility study found much of the infrastructure is already in place. And a survey showed six out of 10 people are in favour.
But Mr Brown's backing for an FA bid was dismissed by shadow sports minister Hugh Robertson. He said: "Given that no decision is due until 2011, it can only be seen as a silly publicity stunt. He would be better off sorting out the mess he's made of the Olympics budget."
Ms Jowell denied the Government was jumping the gun. She said: "We are saying that a World Cup bid would have unqualified Government support."
BROWN TO BACK WORLD CUP BID
BROWN PLEDGES: WE'LL BACK 2018 WORLD CUP BID
By Oonagh Blackman, Political Editor 13/02/2007
GORDON Brown yesterday declared England ready to host the 2018 World Cup - even though it could cost well over £1billion.
He claimed staging the contest following the 2012 Olympics - and for the first time since England won it in 1966 - would create the UK's "greatest ever sporting decade".
He added: "I believe it is time the tournament returned to the nation which gave football to the world. I will make it my personal mission over the next few years to persuade countries around the world to support that bid."
On a visit to the new Wembley stadium with Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell and Sports Minister Richard Caborn, Mr Brown said a feasibility study found much of the infrastructure is already in place. And a survey showed six out of 10 people are in favour.
But Mr Brown's backing for an FA bid was dismissed by shadow sports minister Hugh Robertson. He said: "Given that no decision is due until 2011, it can only be seen as a silly publicity stunt. He would be better off sorting out the mess he's made of the Olympics budget."
Ms Jowell denied the Government was jumping the gun. She said: "We are saying that a World Cup bid would have unqualified Government support."