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Roundup: Wales blames Brexit for decision to ditch bid to host showpiece games

Xinhua, July 27, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Welsh Government confirmed Tuesday it would not be bidding to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, blaming the uncertainty caused by the Brexit referendum vote to leave the European Union (EU).

The British government's Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said he was disappointed by the decision taken in Cardiff.

Cairns said he had worked closely with sporting bodies in Wales and the Commonwealth Games Federation to encourage a major bid for the showpiece event to be held in Wales.

"There are, of course, uncertainties about the world post-Brexit, but the economic benefits of the Commonwealth Games are vast. I cannot overstate the value of Wales continuing to cement an international reputation for hosting and delivering sporting and cultural events," he said.

Welsh Government Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates said that following a detailed feasibility study, and "given the current financial uncertainty" following the Brexit vote, the government's cabinet had decided not to bid.

Skates said the cost of a bid would have been up to 2 billion U.S. dollars which would put a huge strain on the Welsh Government's financial budget.

The Commonwealth Games were staged in Glasgow in 2014 and Manchester in 2002, raising hopes a Welsh bid would have succeeded.

The games were last staged in Wales in 1958 when they were known as the Empire Games.

A poll in Cardiff by the country's leading newspaper showed people in the country were equally divided by the decision.

Politicians joined Cairns in criticizing the decision, with Cardiff North MP Craig Williams describing it as "a short-sighted decision by the Welsh Labour Government."

"It misses yet another opportunity to put Wales on the international stage," said Williams, adding: "It is very premature for the Welsh Government to abort a possible bid."

Plaid Cymru (Party of Wales) Welsh assembly member, Rhun ap Iorwerth, described the decision as lamentable.

David Grevemberg, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said the organization was disappointed Wales would not be putting itself forward. Endit