David to hold Government to Account over Olympic spending on Meridian Late

16th February 2006

Tonight, David Amess MP will be appearing on Meridian Late on ITV to talk about the Government’s plans for Olympic funding following the embarrassing revelation this week that the Department of Culture Media and Sport have set a target of fourth place for Britain in the medals table for 2012, despite previous assurances by the Minister for Sport, Richard Cabourn MP, that no official target had been set.

Shadow Minister, Hugh Robertson MP, who was responsible for revealing this Government blunder, was quick to hold the Minister, Tessa Jowell to account over the accidental leaking of the document that outlines the Government’s aims.

This is clearly a very embarrassing revelation for the government which raises serious questions about the integrity of Government Ministers. It also highlights key concerns about the extra funding that would be needed if the Government were to chase this forth place 2012 target. As reported in the Evening Standard on Wednesday 15th February, the recent study by UK Sport, the Country’s top athletics body, revealed that an extra £50 million a year from the Treasury on top of the £61m currently provided, could lift Team GB from eighth to fourth at the London games. This would total almost £300m over the next 6 years.

If Team GB were to reach fourth place in the medals table in 2012 it would require a haul of 65 medals in total including 17 golds, putting them behind only the USA, Russia and China. However, the UK Sport report also warns that allow our elite athletes in high performance sports the opportunities and facilities to reach such a medal tally, the funding increases need to start today. To standstill at current funding levels of athletes would yield only 35 medals, leaving us at best in eighth position on the medals table in 2012.

Prior to the interview David said,

‘At a local level, I am very keen that Southend benefit as much as possible from the Olympics given its proximity to the city. The expansion of Southend Airport and local rail links will provide a vital transit rout for the many athletes and visitors that the town will host in 2012. However, I am also anxious that Southend benefits from the extra funding for sports and facilities. I have already been working with Sports England and the Big Lottery Fund to help inform local sports clubs and societies how they can apply for extra funding and be more successful in their bids. It would fantastic to see as athlete from Southend on the rostrum in 2012 but even more important is the long term sporting infrastructure in Southend that will benefit generations to come.’