Back on track

HAROLD Wilson’s adage that “a week is a long time in politics” is even more pertinent following the Government’s apparent u-turn on funding for the Tour de France when Yorkshire hosts Le Grand Départ next summer.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Mar 2013, 08:41 BST

Less than 24 hours after Ministers appeared to rebuff Welcome to Yorkshire’s funding bid, there were encouraging signs last night that up to £10m will now be made available by the Treasury following Nick Clegg’s direct intervention.

Though the precise details still need to be finalised by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and Welcome to Yorkshire so that there is a clear plan to maximise the opportunities available to the county after it won the race to host the world’s greatest cycle race, common sense did appear to be prevailing as the region’s tourism leaders prepare to unveil their 2013 marketing blueprint in Leeds today.

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A failure to provide some support, even in these challenging economic times, would have punctured the cycling component of the Olympic legacy and reinforced the view – held by many – that under this Government, tourism policy begins and ends in London.

That Ministers appear to have accepted the strength of the funding argument is welcome, even if it has necessitated this nimble u-turn. It is now up to Welcome to Yorkshire to reward the Government’s faith by delivering a Tour legacy that makes a lasting difference to the economy and health of the county.

Related topics:GovernmentYorkshireTour de France