As the Swansea 2021 team plans a visit to Parliament later this month to put the city’s case for being granted the UK City of Culture 2021 crown, the bid is receiving some heavyweight, cross-party political backing.
Now the Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, has joined First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, both of whom are Swansea-born, in recording a heartfelt video message adding his support. Meanwhile, Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi, has tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament on the topic, which has been sponsored – or endorsed – by MPs across the political spectrum, namely, Carolyn Harris, Geraint Davies, Stephen Kinnock, Emma Hardy and Paul Flynn.
The backing highlights the fact that there is broad political recognition of the potential value of a successful bid for the South West Wales economy.
Carwyn Jones said: “Ours is a great city and more than anything else it has a rich literary and cultural heritage. There could be no better UK City of Culture than Swansea.”
Alun Cairns agreed: “This is an extremely exciting bid and if Swansea could be successful it could mean the same for Swansea as it has for Hull, which has now been labelled as one of the most desirable places to visit in the UK.”
Tonia Antoniazzi said: “It is very pleasing to see political figures from all parties recognise how very valuable a successful UK City of Culture 2021 bid would be for Swansea. This really is a crucial opportunity for Swansea so I felt it was important to table an Early Day Motion in Parliament, detailing the many cultural strengths of Swansea – its rich creative life and its natural assets – and I hope the Government feels able to support Swansea’s bid.
“Swansea 2021 has drawn so much backing since the culture bid was launched, from artists, writers, sportsmen and women, from business leaders and from those who have already benefited from a previous UK City of Culture win, Hull. It really feels as if this groundswell of support could carry our bid all the way past the ‘winning post.’”
To show your support for the bid, follow ‘Swansea2021’ on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and get involved in the conversation by using the hashtag #Swansea2021