Successful Campaign Results In Secretary Of State Visit To Yorkshire

Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness is delighted that the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, will be in Yorkshire as part of a series of regional visits ahead of the Olympic Torch Relay.

The Secretary of State will be attending the Yorkshire and Humber summit, which is taking place at York Racecourse next Wednesday. The summit is being held to highlight the opportunities created by hosting the Olympic Games, and more specifically to ensure that every area, not just London, maximises the economic, sporting and social legacy of the Games.

Graham said: “It was the right decision to include Beverley in the Olympic Torch Relay route. The torch relay is about showing off the pride of Britain, and Beverley is a shining example for the world to see. It has a rich culture, beautiful buildings, and is home to top educational institutions.”

Graham started the Olympic Torch campaign in June last year after the East Riding capital was not included among the first locations of the Olympic Torch relay for this summer. Graham, along with the Mayor of Beverley, Peter Astell, wrote to the Olympic Committee calling for the torch to pass through both Beverley and Bishop Burton during its nationwide tour to commemorate the beginning of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The MP added: “I am pleased that the Secretary of State is visiting the Yorkshire area, helping to ensure that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity does not pass us by. There is no doubt the torch passing through Beverley will help boost tourism, business and culture in the East Riding and we must capitalise fully on this unique opportunity.”