No-deal Brexit ‘could threaten 2022 Games’
Council bosses fear labour and materials shortage for Commonwealth event
BIRMINGHAM’S 2022 Commonwealth Games plans would face massive disruption under a no-deal Brexit, a council report warns.
It claims the end of freedom of movement could cause a labour shortage and developers would face difficulty obtaining construction materials to build facilities.
The council also believes local opposition to the £778 million event could grow
if a no-deal Brexit causes damage to the economy, increasing poverty and pushing up the cost of living for many people.
CBI West Midlands regional director Richard Butler said: “This document lays out starkly the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the Commonwealth Games.
“It highlights how no deal will creep into the heart of the planning and could put at risk everything that thousands of people and businesses are working hard to deliver.”
BIRMINGHAM City Council fears a no-deal Brexit could hit planning for the city’s 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Risks identified by the authority include a labour shortage caused by the end of freedom of movement, and difficulties obtaining construction materials for facilities because of trade restrictions.
The council also fears local opposition to the £778 million games could grow if a no-deal Brexit causes damage to the economy, increasing poverty and pushing up the cost of living for many people.
The assessment is revealed in a document called a “Brexit risk register”, published by the council.
More than 6,500 athletes representing 71 countries will compete in 264 events at the Birmingham Games in three years time.
Central government is providing £594 million towards the cost, with £184 million from the city council and its partners.
A former university campus in Perry Barr is to be transformed into the athletes’ village, providing 1,400 permanent homes once the games are over.
But local MP Khalid Mahmood (Lab, Perry Barr) has been highly critical of the way the games are being delivered, warning for example that the homes will not be suitable for local families.
And along with West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, he has condemned plans to demolish the Perry Barr flyover. A petition against the proposed road changes has been signed by more than 10,000 people.
The council’s document warns: “There is a risk spending a significant budget on a Games becomes viewed as excessive against a backdrop of economic hardship and increases in the cost of living that may occur after EU Exit.”
It also highlights the potential danger from the loss of EU workers, saying: “Availability of EU labour may change i.e. Labour supply will be reduced if free movement ends.”
And it highlights the potential disruption of supplies, saying: “Schedules may be affected by customs barriers. Additional customs checks may cause near-term delays to materials/component deliveries.”
Other concerns highlighted by the council document include fears that the region will lose EU funding without any replacement being provided, making it difficult to ensure the Games bring longterm benefits to the city.
It says: “There is a risk that EU funds will be withdrawn without replacement from government, or likewise the government withdraws funds to re prioritise. This could have knock on effects in our ability to deliver the Culture Programme and Legacy Ambitions.”
And there are also fears that central government, which is backing the Games, could become paralysed by Brexit.
The document warns: “There is a risk Central Government departments/resources engaged with CWG [Commonwealth Games] Planning activities are diverted to addressing Brexit No-Deal issues.”
CBI West Midlands Regional Director Richard Butler said: “This document lays out starkly the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the Commonwealth Games. It highlights how no deal will creep into the heart of the planning and could put at risk everything that thousands of people and businesses are working hard to deliver. This festival of sport will be massive for the city and the wider region and we must redouble our efforts, collectively, to deliver it and protect it from the Brexit headwinds.
“No matter how much preparation the Government and businesses do for No Deal, only a good deal with the EU protects jobs, communities, the economy and events like the Commonwealth Games. This must be the relentless focus of politicians in the UK and the EU.”
West Midlands mayor Andy Street insisted the Games would bring long-term benefits to the region. In an article for website Conservative Home, he said the games would be “the second biggest sporting event ever held in the UK, surpassed only by the London Olympics.”
Mr Street said the experience of the Olympics, as well as previous Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Glasgow, “showed how such events can literally change the trajectory of a place”.
He said: “In the West Midlands, where an economic revival is already under way, the boost brought by the Games will be perfectly timed.
“With such significant public funding, we are focused on creating a lasting legacy. We are seeing new and revamped venues taking shape, new transport links, and valuable business ties – but the real target is a renewed sense of civic pride in citizens of the West Midland.”