LONDON NEEDS ACTION ON TRANSPORT FOR OLYMPIC SUCCESS – BRAKE & HUGHES

11.12.22am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 15th May 2003

Simon Hughes MP, Liberal Democrat Mayoral Candidate

Tom Brake MP, Liberal Democrat London Spokesman, commenting on the Government's expected announcement today that it will back London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, said:

"The Government's support of London's Olympic Games bid is welcome, but very late as it leaves only two months to put the bid together."

"For the Games to be a success, London needs decisive action on the city's transport infrastructure. Crossrail must be in position.

"The London Olympics without Crossrail would be like a sprinter without spikes. It will move but it won't be a record breaker."

Simon Hughes MP, Liberal Democrat candidate for London mayor, added:

"Hosting the Olympics in 2012 will create a generation of home grown sports stars. It will boost business and tourism and will present a once in a lifetime opportunity to regenerate east London."

"We must now focus on the bid and make it the best in the world."