Sadiq Khan promises to explore bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to the capital

Sadiq Khan has promised to bring together an exploratory committee that would start the process of bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to London.

The Labour candidate for Mayor would work with leading figures from the worlds of sport, government, business, and the wider community, with the goal of securing London’s fourth Olympiad – meaning the capital would become the first city to host four summer games in the modern Olympic era.

During his first term as London Mayor, Sadiq has built on the legacy of the 2012 Games, establishing London as the undisputed sporting capital of the world as he pursues his vision for a better, more prosperous London after the pandemic.

Were London to win the right to host the 2036 or 2040 Games, Sadiq's ambition is to make them the most sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games ever hosted – using existing or adapting existing sporting facilities where appropriate, developing new, low carbon facilities where needed, and supporting investment in major public transport projects such as Crossrail 2 and the Bakerloo line extension.

London’s fourth Olympics would bring the nation together, helping deliver a national ‘levelling up’ agenda by staging many sporting events outside of the capital, and encouraging visitors to enjoy the wonders of the UK.

By reusing venues built for the 2012 games, future London Olympic bids would cement the legacy of 2012 and minimise the need to build brand new facilities, ensuring the games would be truly sustainable, both environmentally and financially.

A successful bid would once again showcase London's cultural and historic treasures to the world, providing opportunities for some of the capital’s iconic locations to turn themselves into sporting venues in front of a global audience - just as we did with beach volleyball on Horse Guards Parade and equestrian events in Greenwich Park in 2012.

Speaking ahead of a visit to Earlsfield Amateur Boxing Club, Sadiq Khan said:

“Exploring a bid for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games is the ultimate demonstration of my plan to build a brighter future for London after the pandemic.

“Not only would future London Olympics bring the world’s finest sportsmen and women to London, it would help fast track much needed green infrastructure projects such as Crossrail 2 and the Bakerloo Line extension, bringing with them long term jobs and investment.

“My ambition is for London to host the most sustainable games ever, showcasing the Green New Deal for London with investment in low carbon projects, action to clean up London’s air and showcasing the city’s status as the world’s first national park city to huge amounts of international tourists.

“Not only that, but, by ensuring the Games are staged across the UK, and visitors encouraged and supported to explore every corner of our country, London 2036 or 2040 could be a huge boost to levelling up our cities and regions.

“The spirit of 2012 showed London and Londoners at their best. It was a time that displayed the inclusive, diverse and welcoming heart of our city. As we emerge from Covid19, we need to harbour this spirit and remind people what makes London the greatest city in the world – bringing the Olympics back to London would do exactly that.”

Sir Mo Farah said:

"When I think of the Olympics I think of London. Nothing will ever beat hearing the roar of 75,000 people in the Olympic stadium getting louder and louder as I reached the home straight.

"The city felt electric, and as we come out of the pandemic, I couldn't think of a better way to showcase the spirit of our nation then by bringing the Olympics and Paralympics back to London.”

James Purnell, former DCMS minister who helped make the 2012 games a reality, said:

“As a minister in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, I saw for myself the incredible benefits the Olympics and Paralympics brought our country.

“A bid for the games would be an incredible symbol of post-pandemic optimism and a massive boost of confidence in our capital city.

“It would herald a brighter future for London and Britain - bringing jobs, regeneration and better times ahead for us all.”

Richard Whitehead, who won Gold in the T42 200m at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics, said:

"London 2012 set the benchmark for the Paralympics. I was fortunate to be one of many successful athletes alongside my GB teammates Johnnie Peacock, Ellie Simmonds and David Weir, who inspired the nation, bringing out the best of London and Londoners.

"As we look to the future, the whole country needs a boost and bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to London would do just that, making the opportunity to compete at the top level in front of a home crowd a dream within reach for young Brits.”

Amir Khan who became, at the age of 17, Britain’s youngest boxing Olympic medallist, said:

“The Olympics helped to launch my career as a professional boxer, giving a working-class kid from Bolton the opportunities to compete in front of global audiences and fulfil his potential. That’s why I’d love to see another young British talent follow in my footsteps and go one better by winning gold on home turf.

“When it comes to international boxing, our country has always punched above its weight in the world and bringing the Olympics to London would help to ensure Britain continues to stand tall as a true heavyweight. Not only would it be a catalyst for vital investment in grassroots boxing and inspire the next generation of homegrown fighters, but it would also lift the mood of the nation and showcase our incredible, diverse capital to fight fans across the globe.”