Birmingham remains a city of culture, regardless of government decision

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 4th Jun 2003

Liberal Democrat spokesperson on culture in the European Parliament and West Midlands MEP Liz Lynne has said that Birmingham remains a leading international city of culture despite the government's announcement today to award 1998 European Capital of Culture to Liverpool.

Liz said:

"Congratulations should be passed on to Liverpool for its successful bid. I am of course deeply disappointed that Birmingham was not successful. Nevertheless, I am hopeful that Birmingham's strong bid has done a lot to sweep away negative perceptions of it being a grey, dreary city."

"As an international city, Birmingham has an enviable record both in terms of art and popular culture. Furthermore, Birmingham epitomises modern, tolerant, multicultural Britain. It is unfortunate that the government has not taken this opportunity to made a clear statement that it considers ethnic diversity to be one of Britain's great strengths by choosing Birmingham.

"Nevertheless, it is a mark of Birmingham's importance as a centre for tourism and culture that many of the international visitors who choose to visit England in 2008 as a result of the Capital of Culture will inevitably wind up visiting here as well as Liverpool. They will be able to decide on their relative merits for themselves."