On Monday 18th March, Members of Parliament and peers launched the All-Party Parliamentary Group in support of the Commonwealth Games.

Launched in the Palace of Westminster and joined by stakeholders involved in the Games, the Group brings together MPs and Peers of all parties to support and promote the Commonwealth Games, and particularly the 2022 Commonwealth Games.  It will focus on the necessary regional development for such a large event, as well as the different venues and other essential infrastructure elements that are required.  Post-Games, the Group’s attention will focus on the Games’ legacy across the region.

The Group is chaired by Dudley South MP, Mike Wood, who said “Birmingham having been awarded the 2022 Commonwealth Games is superb.  With the Games’ selection coming late in the day, it is wonderful to see how the Birmingham bid galvanised the region.  I am hugely honoured to have been elected Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Commonwealth Games and I and colleagues will do what we can to support the Games, the City and region in creating another fantastic showpiece sporting event for the country.”

Sports Minister Mims Davies MP gave her seal of approval for the Group: “Just like sport, All-Party Parliamentary Groups such as the Commonwealth Games Group transcend party politics and all involved are routing for the same outcome – another fantastic major event on UK soil.  I look forward to engaging with Parliamentary colleagues and others to make sure the Games are a great success.” 

Chief Executive of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Ian Reid, said: “We welcome today’s launch of the APPG for the Commonwealth Games. We truly appreciate and will certainly benefit from Members of Parliament and Peers from all parties joining forces to support Birmingham 2022 and what we are trying to achieve.  My colleagues and I are looking forward to working with the Group in the exciting journey ahead.” 

For more information about the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Commonwealth Games, visit www.appgcommonwealthgames.org or follow on Twitter at @APPGCGames.