Mr Major’s Doorstep on Commonwealth Games Success – 3 November 1995

Below is the text of Mr Major’s doorstep interview in Huntingdon, on 3rd November 1995, following the success of Manchester’s bid to hold the Commonwealth Games.

PRIME MINISTER:

I am absolutely delighted that Manchester have won and they certainly won on merit. They have been trying for a long time to get a major sporting event in Manchester and they thoroughly deserve this win.

Economically, this means long-term advantages for Manchester. All the publicity the city will get is bound to result in long-term gain.

QUESTION:

Will this result in Manchester getting the Olympics?

PRIME MINISTER:

I hope so. They tried very hard to get the Olympic Games and I tried to give them whatever support I could. Unfortunately, they were not successful despite having a well-constructed and very innovative bid.

I would very much like to see the Olympic Games take place in the UK, perhaps in Manchester.