MP backs World Cup bid for Hull

Hull North MP Diana Johnson today welcomed the inclusion of Hull in a possible list of World Cup venues for England's 2018 bid.

Hull City season ticket holder Diana Johnson said: "It would be fantastic if the World Cup came to Hull and our KC Stadium.

"England's bid is all about securing a lasting legacy for sport in this country and to inspire our young people to sporting success.

"I will be doing whatever I can to make Hull's case to be included in the final bid. Having the World Cup in England again would be great, but in Hull as well this time would be even better."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "I want to assure everybody that the Government will do everything it can so that we record a famous victory in this campaign.

"Building on the success of Euro 96 we have the stadium and infrastructure to host the greatest football tournament in the world.

"If we can secure the football World Cup it will be the greatest sporting decade our country has ever seen.

"To host the Olympics and World Cup in one decade will be a mark of how important sport is to our country. I promise to make it my personal mission to gather support from around the world."

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham said: "England 2018 would be a great celebration of our beautiful game and its power to act as a force for good around the world.

"Our passion for the game will inspire fans everywhere. England's bid would break new ground for football and it has the full backing of the Government.

"England 2018 would be the best way to crown what we hope will be the most memorable and successful decade in our sporting history."

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