Warm Welcome for the Olympics from Richmond Park MP

12.03.11pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 21st May 2003

Jenny Tonge MP has warmly welcomed the announcement that London will make a bid for the next Olympic Games.

Jenny Tonge MP, "I am delighted that the Government have decided to support the Olympic bid for the 2012 games. Not only could this result in a great sporting event being bought to London, but it will also bring a host of other benefits to the Capital. These would include the regeneration of the East End, and the creation of up to 9,000 new full time jobs."

" "I recognise that there is some opposition to the Games because of a fear that an Olympic Stadium could turn into another 'Dome', i.e. a costly failure, but the reality is that the evidence points the other way. Just in terms of tourism alone, it is reckoned that Australia made around £2bn by hosting the 2000 Olympics.

"There is also a concern that has been voiced to me by some Constituents about the fact the Council tax payers in London will have to pay an additional £20 a year from 2006/7 for a maximum of 12 years if we win the bid. I share their concerns and feel that most of this capital could and should be raised by the new lottery games, dedicated to raising money for the bid. Otherwise London's less well off voters will be particularly hard hit by yet another tax hike."

"Finally, if we want to stand a realistic chance, it is essential that proper transport infrastructure is put in place in time for the Games, including CrossRail, which will benefit the whole of London. I hope that the Government will accept, that although expensive, the CrossRail project will provide an invaluable link between east and west London and as such should be seen as a vital part of the Olympic bid, instead of an unrelated decision."