BLAME IT ON BREXIT SCUPPERED ‘CAPITAL OF CULTURE’ BID COST RATEPAYERS £350k
AROUND £350,000 of ratepayers’ money has already been spent on a Brexit-scuppered bid for Belfast and Londonderry to become European Capital of Culture in 2023.
The cities launched the high-profile attempt — backed by Hollywood stars such as Liam Neeson, Roma Downey and Jamie Dornan — to secure the title.
The project was unveiled in July by the Lord Mayor of Belfast Nuala McAllister and Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor Maoliosa McHugh.
But according to a letter from the European Commission, the UK will not be allowed to land the title following its Brexit decision.
The letter says that “after consulting relevant services of the Commission, I would like to inform you that following its withdrawal from the European Union, the participation of the United Kingdom in the European Capital of Culture Union action will not be possible”.
Belfast City Council committed £500,000 towards staging the bid, with Derry Council putting in a further £300,000.
A spokeswoman for both councils said: “We can confirm that Belfast City Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council have spent a total of £350,000 to date out of a total budget of £800,000.
“The £350,000 already spent covers costs associated with the bid development including staffing, consultancy, business case development, engagement process, marketing, public relations and bid design and production.
“We are aware that the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) is still in discussions with the European Commission on behalf of all five cities involved.
“We are, however, deeply disappointed with this recent development, but are committed to ensuring that the time, energy, enthusiasm, ideas and resources put into our bid are carried forward regardless.” Last night, Belfast Lord Mayor Nuala McAllister was in London to seek clarification on the situation.
“We’re obviously bitterly disappointed at today’s news, and we want to seek an urgent meeting with them (DCMS) to get some political clarification. We’re here to ensure that we have that input,” she said.
Earlier, DCMS said the government was “deeply disappointed” about the decision, which also affects bids from Dundee, Nottingham, Leeds, and Milton Keynes.
“We disagree with the European Commission’s stance and are deeply disappointed that it has waited until after UK cities have submitted their final bids before communicating this new position to us,” the DCMS said.
“The Prime Minister has been clear that while we are leaving the EU, we are not leaving Europe and this has been welcomed by EU leaders. We want to continue working with our friends in Europe to promote the longterm economic development of our continent, which may include participating in cultural programmes.
“We remain committed to working with the five UK cities that have submitted bids to help them realise their cultural ambitions, and we are in urgent discussions with the Commission on the matter.” DUP MEP Diane Dodds described the European Commission’s actions as “needless and spiteful posturing”.
“In spite of the assurances that they will not act in malice or attempt to punish the UK, here we have an example of the schoolboy pettiness we have come to expect from Brussels,” Mrs Dodds added.
“Belfast’s bid has been built upon renewing and building on the foundations of the peace process, breaking down barriers and showing communities where culture is often contested that what unites them is greater than what divides.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said he had written to the Commission “to ask that we are treated as a special case”.
Sinn Fein councillor Jim McVeigh called on Europe to recognise that the bid “should not be excluded”.
“It is yet another example of
❝ This development is yet another example of the disaster that Brexit continues to be for Ireland
the disaster that Brexit continues to be for Ireland,” he said. At the UK launch, the DCMS warned councils the process could be affected by the Brexit negotiations.
“We are committed for the UK to host the title in 2023, however bidding cities should be aware that the European Capital of Culture title may be subject to the outcome of those exit negotiations which could have a bearing on the UK’s participation and the government will advise bidding cities on this once negotiations have concluded,” the DCMS said at the 2016 launch.
The Belfast Telegraph asked Belfast City Council last night what assurances had been sought or received by the council that the Capital of Culture bid would be eligible — despite the UK leaving the EU before 2023 — but no response had been received last night.