One of the first debates in Parliament following the summer recess saw MPs from across Coventry and Warwickshire put aside party differences and speak in support of the Coventry City of Culture 2021 bid.
Local MP Mark Pawsey joined his colleagues from across the area to highlight how a successful bid from Coventry would bring real benefits not only to Rugby’s closest city, but also the whole of Warwickshire and the wider area. The bid has also received the backing of the new Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street.
Coventry is one of five cities that have made the shortlist to host the UK City of Culture in 2021. The winning bid will be announced by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in December 2017.
During the debate, Government Minister John Glen praised Coventry’s bid and the rich heritage of culture and the arts which exists in the city, including the Coventry Transport Museum and the Belgrade Theatre.
Speaking after the debate, Mark said:
“I was delighted to join my colleagues from across Coventry and Warwickshire to back Coventry’s bid to be the next UK City of Culture. Coventry is our closest city and Rugby enjoys strong links with the community there, with many local people working in Coventry and many people from Coventry regularly visiting Rugby.”
Mark continued:
“The UK’s current City of Culture, Hull, is estimated to have benefitted from over £1 billion of investment since being awarded the title in 2013. A successful bid for Coventry 2021 would therefore be a real gain not only for this great city, but also for the whole of Warwickshire which is also rich in culture and history. Visitors to Coventry 2021 would have the opportunity to experience attractions and events across Warwickshire, bringing tourism and growth to all the surrounding towns.”
Mark concluded:
“I am excited by the opportunities that Coventry 2021 would bring to our town. Since being elected Rugby’s Member of Parliament, I have argued that the town should do more to promote its unique connection to the game of Rugby. We have more done to emphasise this following the Rugby World Cup 2015, with the opening of the World Rugby Hall of Fame which is already drawing tourism to the town. Coventry 2021 would be a great way to build on this success.”