Debate on city's bid for world status

The MP for York Central, Hugh Bayley, has secured an Adjournment Debate which will be held in Westminster Hall to discuss the attempt by the city to be ranked alongside world famous landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and the Statue of Liberty.

The MP for York Outer, Julian Sturdy, is also due to attend the parliamentary debate.

York's bid focuses on the quality and importance of archaeological deposits found in the city and the unique preservation of wood, leather and wax artefacts as a result of the waterlogged conditions.

York Council's archaeologist John Oxley said: "The archaeology of this city is world-class. York has a very strong case for designation as a World Heritage site."

The debate will look at York's initial submission to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. A panel of experts will announce whether the city has made the list of potential nominees later this year. The first UK nomination will then be submitted to the Unesco committee in 2012.

Yorkshire currently has two of the 28 World Heritage sites in the UK, with Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire and Saltaire in West Yorkshire being granted the status.