North Cornwall MP Wants Cornwall in the UK’s Next Olympic Bid

The Government is thinking about bringing the Olympic Games back to Britain for the first time since 2012. North Cornwall’s MP has a message about where some of it should happen.

Ben Maguire, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, has welcomed the Government’s ambition to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games again, while pushing for any future bid to take a genuinely nationwide approach rather than concentrating on one part of the country.

The intervention follows the Government’s decision to commission an initial strategic assessment into hosting the Games in the North of England in the 2040s.

A bid for the whole country

Maguire said the 2012 London Games showed what the Olympic movement can do for communities, putting the UK on the world stage and leaving a lasting social and economic legacy. But he argued that future bids should make full use of existing venues and natural assets across the entire country.

“Cornwall must be at the centre of any future Olympic bid. I welcome the Government’s ambition to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to the United Kingdom. The success of London 2012 showed what the Games can achieve for our communities,” he said.

“Any future bid should reflect the strengths of the whole UK, using existing venues and natural assets across different regions and nations. A nationwide approach would properly reflect the diversity, geography and sporting strengths of the United Kingdom. We have a unique opportunity to inspire young people across our country by bringing the world’s most famous sporting event to their doorstep.”

Why Cornwall

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, Maguire set out the case for the Duchy hosting water-based events.

“North Cornwall is home to world-class surfing beaches including Polzeath, while nearby Watergate Bay offers ideal conditions for Olympic kitesurfing and other coastal disciplines. The site is also located close to Cornwall Airport Newquay, providing strong transport links for athletes, officials and visitors.”

He also pointed to the county’s Olympic heritage, naming sailing legend Sir Ben Ainslie, North Cornwall gold medallist Morgan Bolding, and double Olympic rowing champion Helen Glover among the Cornish athletes who have represented Team GB.

“Their achievements have helped inspire a new generation of young athletes across Cornwall, the Southwest and beyond,” he said.

Proven track record

Maguire pointed to Cornwall’s experience of hosting the Tour of Britain cycling race in 2021, which brought thousands of visitors and gave the local economy a boost.

“A regional Olympic model would allow communities across the UK to share in the economic, tourism and sporting benefits of hosting the Games. Cornwall has already demonstrated with events like the Tour of Britain that we can successfully host world-class sport and deliver real economic benefits for the local area.”

He is now seeking support from colleagues across Cornwall to make sure the Duchy’s case is considered in any future UK bid discussions.

You can read Ben Maguire’s full letter to the Secretary of State here.