Michael Fabricant told the Prime Minister earlier today (Wednesday 13th September) that the Commonwealth Games would be “excellent news for the economy not only in Birmingham but in the greater west midlands, including Lichfield”. He asked her to support the bid and “bat for Britain”.

Michael Fabricant

Q8. When she next plans to meet the Mayor of the West Midlands to discuss the economy of that region; and if she will make a statement. [900826]

The Prime Minister

I would be happy to meet the new Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands when my diary allows.

Michael Fabricant

I am very encouraged to hear it. Last week, in the face of stiff competition, Birmingham defeated Liverpool’s brilliant submission and won the Commonwealth games bid for the west midlands. This is excellent news for the economy not only in Birmingham but in the greater west midlands, including Lichfield.

Will my right hon. Friend speak to the Chancellor—I see that she is sitting next to him—to ensure that he backs the bid as well, and then bat for Britain to ensure that Birmingham wins the Commonwealth games over Kuala Lumpur?

The Prime Minister

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his question. I have noticed that he is apparently shortly to appear on a Channel 4 programme called “Celebrity First Dates”. What I am not sure about is whether he is the celebrity or the first date—maybe he can tell us about that.

My hon. Friend raises the issue of the Commonwealth games. Obviously their being hosted in the UK in 2022, in Birmingham, would present a unique opportunity for the west midlands, and it would of course promote global Britain across the Commonwealth. The next step is for Birmingham to demonstrate value for money in its bid, but subject to that, I have no doubt that Birmingham will continue the UK’s rich history of hosting successful sporting events.

And speaking of ‘Celebrity First Dates’, Michael now says “I admit it! I am taking part in the show which will be broadcast nearer to Christmas on Channel 4. I have done it for charity, I am not receiving anything, and £25,000 will go to Cancer Research UK.

“I have never been on a totally blind date before so it was all rather nail biting!”