Maxwell claims Olympics will ‘rob’ Scottish sport of millions
They were there to represent a united front but political differences emerged yesterday when Scottish Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell and Tessa Jowell, the UK Olympics
Minister, visited Stirling University.
Mr Maxwell accused the Labour government of "robbing" sport in Scotland of vital lottery money to fund the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, the budget for which has now risen to more than £9bn. He declared his general support for the 2012 games but strongly opposed its funding mechanisms which, he claimed, will seriously undermine grassroots sport in Scotland.
He said: "We are very supportive of the London Olympics. We think they will be very good for Scottish
athletes and want to see the maximum number there. Where there is clear disagreement is over the use of lottery funding to fund the Olympics.
"We don't support that, we never have and we never will and we will continue to take that case to London. We shouldn't rob grassroots sport in Scotland to pay for the London Olympics.
"Lottery funding, from its high point a few years ago, has been in decline, although it has levelled off. "Over the next four years we are going to lose tens of millions. The estimate in sport is about £13m cut between 2008 and 2012."
He said that the Treasury should bear the financial burden for the 2012 Games.
Ms Jowell was in Scotland to look at the facilities at Stirling University, which has established itself as an international hub of sporting excellence and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
She said: "We have some big decisions to take about the Olympic Aquatic Centre in London and it seems to me that Stirling has made all the right decisions at the right time to maximise the legacy benefit for the local community"
She encouraged Stirling to make a strong case to act as a base for one of the Olympic teams in 2012.
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Posted by: pints, capital on 2:39am Tue 23 Oct 07
Let’s start our own lottery.
Advertise heavily in all English inner cities and bleed the English bank notes up to Scotland. This would fund the building of our own Olympic standard sports centres.
Our folk would then have decent training facilities in preparation of representing us in the Scottish Olympic Team of 2012.
Let’s start our own lottery.
Advertise heavily in all English inner cities and bleed the English bank notes up to Scotland. This would fund the building of our own Olympic standard sports centres.
Our folk would then have decent training facilities in preparation of representing us in the Scottish Olympic Team of 2012.
Posted by: Wullie on 3:45am Tue 23 Oct 07
It should come as no surprise that London is being given 9 billion pounds plus to develop infrastrucure in the capital for the Olympics.
The Dome, the National Library, Cross Rail, BBC funding - yes and much much more at the expense of the regions.
Preferential funding for London is the union Dividend - that is the way it works.
It should come as no surprise that London is being given 9 billion pounds plus to develop infrastrucure in the capital for the Olympics.
The Dome, the National Library, Cross Rail, BBC funding - yes and much much more at the expense of the regions.
Preferential funding for London is the union Dividend - that is the way it works.
Posted by: Scunnert, Travelling in Nihlon on 3:54am Tue 23 Oct 07
Hey pints - Oor ain olympic team and oor ain lottery to pie fur it? Ye think? Worth a go - eh? ahm wae ye brither.
Hey pints - Oor ain olympic team and oor ain lottery to pie fur it? Ye think? Worth a go - eh? ahm wae ye brither.
Posted by: donald, glasgow on 6:09am Tue 23 Oct 07
London Labour would never allow it and Scottish Labour will shamelessly do as it's telt by sooking up to them
London Labour would never allow it and Scottish Labour will shamelessly do as it's telt by sooking up to them
Posted by: david, aberdeen on 7:25am Tue 23 Oct 07
In what way are the olympics "good" for scottish sport? Why do we need an elitist event, clouded by drugs, politics and a winner-takes-all attitude?
Surely the least "Olympian" thing imaginable is the Olympic Games? A complete parody of the so-called Olympic spirit. Where is the evidence that the Olympics are good for sport? By "sport" I mean people participating in exercise together. Not sitting on their fat backsides watching rich kids run round in circles on television. We are constantly told that participation in sport is improved by the games. 9 billion pounds should buy a lot of participation. I want to see the numbers. Show me the evidence.
In what way are the olympics "good" for scottish sport? Why do we need an elitist event, clouded by drugs, politics and a winner-takes-all attitude?
Surely the least "Olympian" thing imaginable is the Olympic Games? A complete parody of the so-called Olympic spirit. Where is the evidence that the Olympics are good for sport? By "sport" I mean people participating in exercise together. Not sitting on their fat backsides watching rich kids run round in circles on television. We are constantly told that participation in sport is improved by the games. 9 billion pounds should buy a lot of participation. I want to see the numbers. Show me the evidence.
Posted by: RETIRED....... but still switched on, Fed Up To The Teeth on 8:24am Tue 23 Oct 07
[quote][bold]david[/bold] wrote:
In what way are the olympics "good" for scottish sport? Why do we need an elitist event, clouded by drugs, politics and a winner-takes-all attitude? Surely the least "Olympian" thing imaginable is the Olympic Games? A complete parody of the so-called Olympic spirit. Where is the evidence that the Olympics are good for sport? By "sport" I mean people participating in exercise together. Not sitting on their fat backsides watching rich kids run round in circles on television. We are constantly told that participation in sport is improved by the games. 9 billion pounds should buy a lot of participation. I want to see the numbers. Show me the evidence. [/quote] DAVID
I'm wi' you on this one David. The 2012 Festival of Drugs in Sport is a travesty of the Olympic ideal, has nothing to do with sport, but has everything to do with self-aggrandisement of politicians, those hoping to get (further) honours, and keeping the London elite aloof from the rest of us scruff !!
.and as for paying for it.......why should the people of Easterhouse or Inverurie etc pay to improve the transport infrastructure in London etc through denying much-needed sports and other facilities to their kids. As per usual, (remember the dome?)we won't be able to afford to go to these events anyhow..........and our TV drug will have to suffice for us Jocks !! .
david wrote:
In what way are the olympics "good" for scottish sport? Why do we need an elitist event, clouded by drugs, politics and a winner-takes-all attitude? Surely the least "Olympian" thing imaginable is the Olympic Games? A complete parody of the so-called Olympic spirit. Where is the evidence that the Olympics are good for sport? By "sport" I mean people participating in exercise together. Not sitting on their fat backsides watching rich kids run round in circles on television. We are constantly told that participation in sport is improved by the games. 9 billion pounds should buy a lot of participation. I want to see the numbers. Show me the evidence.
DAVID
I'm wi' you on this one David. The 2012 Festival of Drugs in Sport is a travesty of the Olympic ideal, has nothing to do with sport, but has everything to do with self-aggrandisement of politicians, those hoping to get (further) honours, and keeping the London elite aloof from the rest of us scruff !!
.and as for paying for it.......why should the people of Easterhouse or Inverurie etc pay to improve the transport infrastructure in London etc through denying much-needed sports and other facilities to their kids. As per usual, (remember the dome?)we won't be able to afford to go to these events anyhow..........and our TV drug will have to suffice for us Jocks !! .
Posted by: martin, dundee on 9:13am Tue 23 Oct 07
It can be of no suprise that a vast undertaking such as the London Olympics will divert money away from Scotland .The cost is 9 billion and rising, eventually reaching double that figure according to some commentators.Scotlan
d will lose out and the infrastructure of the south will benefit.Who said we as Scots were subsidy junkies? Surely now it is plain for all to see that London gets more than its fair share of resources while Scotland loses out.
The SNP are right to highlight this fact.
It can be of no suprise that a vast undertaking such as the London Olympics will divert money away from Scotland .The cost is 9 billion and rising, eventually reaching double that figure according to some commentators.Scotlan
d will lose out and the infrastructure of the south will benefit.Who said we as Scots were subsidy junkies? Surely now it is plain for all to see that London gets more than its fair share of resources while Scotland loses out.
The SNP are right to highlight this fact.
Posted by: David Nummey, London on 9:27am Tue 23 Oct 07
The numbers that we are hearing about the London Olympics may well still be an under-estimate.
The Olympics Delivery Authority is responsible for ensuring that the venues and infrastructure needed in 2012 (and after). Few people doubt it has a difficult job. But it's attitude to taxpayers money can be summed up by its decision to take offices on the very top floor of Canary Wharf. Hard to think of anywhere more expensive, really.
Many Londoners are already screaming 'why should they pay for the games?' It goes without saying that money will be siphoned from all over the UK, including Scotland and non-SE regions of England, to fund this jamboree. The saddest thing - despite all the chat - is that the poorest communities in East London will probably see very little tangible improvements to their lives.
The numbers that we are hearing about the London Olympics may well still be an under-estimate.
The Olympics Delivery Authority is responsible for ensuring that the venues and infrastructure needed in 2012 (and after). Few people doubt it has a difficult job. But it's attitude to taxpayers money can be summed up by its decision to take offices on the very top floor of Canary Wharf. Hard to think of anywhere more expensive, really.
Many Londoners are already screaming 'why should they pay for the games?' It goes without saying that money will be siphoned from all over the UK, including Scotland and non-SE regions of England, to fund this jamboree. The saddest thing - despite all the chat - is that the poorest communities in East London will probably see very little tangible improvements to their lives.
Posted by: Disgusted Dorothy, Glasgow on 10:15am Tue 23 Oct 07
Did anyone see the Dispatches programme on the games?
Apart srom some people making a huge amount of money already,there was an economist on saying that the only people who would benefit were those in the immediate area of the games.The rest of the UK would lose bigtime!!
Did anyone see the Dispatches programme on the games?
Apart srom some people making a huge amount of money already,there was an economist on saying that the only people who would benefit were those in the immediate area of the games.The rest of the UK would lose bigtime!!
Posted by: Buggering Lord ya ya, Ridiculously large colonial Mansion on 11:29am Tue 23 Oct 07
Look here you bloody Nationalists......kn
ow your place, you have been vacinated to believe you are inferior, subservant and loyal, anyone would think your a different country or something!
......where was I now....oh yes, 13 billion and one, 13 billion and two...
Look here you bloody Nationalists......kn
ow your place, you have been vacinated to believe you are inferior, subservant and loyal, anyone would think your a different country or something!
......where was I now....oh yes, 13 billion and one, 13 billion and two...
Posted by: Jwil, East Kilbride on 12:42pm Tue 23 Oct 07
"She encouraged Stirling to make a strong case to act as a base for one of the Olympic teams in 2012."
This is obviously a benefit to Stirling but they haven't got it yet. It is just apppears to be tokenism as far as Jowell is concerned. Something to make her visit more acceptable.
"She encouraged Stirling to make a strong case to act as a base for one of the Olympic teams in 2012."
This is obviously a benefit to Stirling but they haven't got it yet. It is just apppears to be tokenism as far as Jowell is concerned. Something to make her visit more acceptable.
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 3:31pm Tue 23 Oct 07
No taxation without representation[quote]Mr Maxwell accused the Labour government of "robbing" sport in Scotland of vital lottery money to fund the London Olympic[/quote] Alas, very true - just ask the chairman of the Scottish Lottery Committee.
No taxation without representation
Mr Maxwell accused the Labour government of "robbing" sport in Scotland of vital lottery money to fund the London Olympic
Alas, very true - just ask the chairman of the Scottish Lottery Committee.
Posted by: martin, dundee on 4:46pm Tue 23 Oct 07
Havent heard a peep from London Labour in Scotland about the diversion of lottery money from Scotland to the south.Wendy and co just cant muster a comment on this one.They like to tell us we are subsidised by London.This proves we are not.Its 9 billion and rising, thats the cost of the London Olympics and Scotland is paying for this folly.I bet the Labour party £100.00 quid that the final bill will be much higher.Any takers???
Havent heard a peep from London Labour in Scotland about the diversion of lottery money from Scotland to the south.Wendy and co just cant muster a comment on this one.They like to tell us we are subsidised by London.This proves we are not.Its 9 billion and rising, thats the cost of the London Olympics and Scotland is paying for this folly.I bet the Labour party £100.00 quid that the final bill will be much higher.Any takers???
Posted by: RETIRED....... but still switched on, Fed Up To The Teeth on 5:37pm Tue 23 Oct 07
[quote][bold]martin[/bold] wrote:
Havent heard a peep from London Labour in Scotland about the diversion of lottery money from Scotland to the south.Wendy and co just cant muster a comment on this one.They like to tell us we are subsidised by London.This proves we are not.Its 9 billion and rising, thats the cost of the London Olympics and Scotland is paying for this folly.I bet the Labour party £100.00 quid that the final bill will be much higher.Any takers???[/quote] MARTIN
Can we have your Labour supporting view on this perfectly rational contribution then JASON4QUEEN......or did your NuLab crib sheet not arrive this am???
martin wrote:
Havent heard a peep from London Labour in Scotland about the diversion of lottery money from Scotland to the south.Wendy and co just cant muster a comment on this one.They like to tell us we are subsidised by London.This proves we are not.Its 9 billion and rising, thats the cost of the London Olympics and Scotland is paying for this folly.I bet the Labour party £100.00 quid that the final bill will be much higher.Any takers???
MARTIN
Can we have your Labour supporting view on this perfectly rational contribution then JASON4QUEEN......or did your NuLab crib sheet not arrive this am???
Posted by: Edward, Edinburgh on 1:47am Wed 24 Oct 07
'She (Tessa Jowell) encouraged Stirling to make a strong case to act as a base for one of the Olympic teams in 2012'
Is she taking the p**s!
Which idiot country is going to base themselves over 400 miles away from the Olympic venues? or are they going to be given free rail travel to the events?
'She (Tessa Jowell) encouraged Stirling to make a strong case to act as a base for one of the Olympic teams in 2012'
Is she taking the p**s!
Which idiot country is going to base themselves over 400 miles away from the Olympic venues? or are they going to be given free rail travel to the events?
Posted by: Major of Stirling, Manning the phones on 7:31am Wed 24 Oct 07
On behalf of the people of Stirling, I would like to thank Tessa Jowell, the UK Olympics Minister for her far-sighted and visionary suggestion that one – or more – Olympic teams locate themselves in Stirling during the sporting extravaganza.
Brilliant.
Having been under the mistaken impression that we would lose out to Paris and Amsterdam - only half an hour from London - you can only imagine the joy when we saw the flaw in our pessimistic thinking. What fools we were to doubt the benefits to Stirling of the London Olympiad.
Just between you and me, Tessa, I would have appreciated a little warning though. The anticipated athletic stampede presents us with several problems, all of which are surmountable. In the rush by teams to seek accommodation in Stirling, I have sought approval by the council to appoint a full time officer to handle all the applications and allocate our hotels fairly. Second, I will next week launch an appeal to the citizens of Stirling to assist in giving the athletes of the world a place to lay their weary heads between events. It may present the city with a short term crisis in holiday accommodation, but I am sure we will pull through.
And there we were thinking that the London Olympics had nothing to do with Scotland.
Thanks again Tessa,
Yours, etc
On behalf of the people of Stirling, I would like to thank Tessa Jowell, the UK Olympics Minister for her far-sighted and visionary suggestion that one – or more – Olympic teams locate themselves in Stirling during the sporting extravaganza.
Brilliant.
Having been under the mistaken impression that we would lose out to Paris and Amsterdam - only half an hour from London - you can only imagine the joy when we saw the flaw in our pessimistic thinking. What fools we were to doubt the benefits to Stirling of the London Olympiad.
Just between you and me, Tessa, I would have appreciated a little warning though. The anticipated athletic stampede presents us with several problems, all of which are surmountable. In the rush by teams to seek accommodation in Stirling, I have sought approval by the council to appoint a full time officer to handle all the applications and allocate our hotels fairly. Second, I will next week launch an appeal to the citizens of Stirling to assist in giving the athletes of the world a place to lay their weary heads between events. It may present the city with a short term crisis in holiday accommodation, but I am sure we will pull through.
And there we were thinking that the London Olympics had nothing to do with Scotland.
Thanks again Tessa,
Yours, etc
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