Tory goal to host World Cup in UK

A TORY government would back a joint UK and Ireland bid to host the football World Cup.

The Conservative manifesto includes a commitment to back any attempt to hold football’s most prestigious tournament in 2030.

It would mean each of the devolved nations linking up with Ireland to host fixtures, in a major boost to the UK economy.

The World Cup has not been held in the UK since it was played in England in 1966.

In its UK manifesto, the Conservatives pledged that ‘we would back a potential UK and Ireland bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup’. Derek Stillie, the former Dundee United and Aberdeen goalkeeper who is Conservative candidate for Central Ayrshire, said: ‘Football is in Scotland’s blood.

‘What better way to get a new generation involved in our national game than to see World Cup games being played on Scottish soil?

‘That’s why I’m delighted that our manifesto yesterday committed us to backing the 2030 World Cup bid. Bringing the World Cup to Scotland,

England, Wales and Ireland is something we can all get behind.

‘I hope the SNP come on board with this plan. The great pity, however, is that instead of finding ways to work together, all Nicola Sturgeon and her group of Westminster candidates are focused on is the division that would be created by another referendum.

‘I’m taking off my gloves to stand as a Scottish Conservative MP because I want to take Scotland forward. I’m asking people to send Scottish Conservatives like me to go to Westminster to bring back positive change for Scotland.’