PORTSMOUTH AND SOUTHAMPTON JOINT BID FOR UK CITY OF CULTURE

Motion Text

That this House welcomes the decision by Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils to run a joint bid for the UK City of Culture for 2017; recognises the remarkable heritage and enormous contribution to international development given by both cities; acknowledges their wide ranging historical links as well as outstanding maritime traditions; notes that such individuals as Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan-Doyle, Peter Sellers, Jane Austen and Benny Hill have all resided in Portsmouth or Southampton; and believes the joint bid is worthy of national recognition and support.