The UK Government has initiated plans for a bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England during the 2040s, authorizing UK Sport to conduct a feasibility study.

Having last hosted the Games in 2012, London has seen three Olympic events, while no other UK city has had the opportunity. Manchester previously attempted bids in 1996 and 2000, finishing third in the latter, where Sydney was ultimately awarded the Games.

The current government believes that past northern bids were overlooked, asserting that only London was deemed capable of hosting such a monumental event. Culture, Media & Sport Secretary of State Lisa Nandy MP emphasized the North's potential, stating:

"For a long time the North of England has shown amazing ability to put on some of the best sporting events not just in the country, but in the world."

Nandy declared the government’s commitment to this bid, proclaiming it is time for the North to shine:

"We think it's long overdue and it's the North's turn."

Unlike traditional single-city Olympics, the proposed bid aims for a multi-city approach, leveraging Manchester and other northern locations. Nandy highlighted:

"We're looking at multi-city sites across the north of England as part of our bid."

She drew parallels to successful multi-city events like Euro 2028 and the World Cup, stating that collaboration among northern cities could lead to an extraordinary Olympic experience.

Despite skepticism regarding the timing of this announcement amid political challenges, Nandy assured:

"We want to do this as a government. This is not us saying we'll have a look and see whether we think that it's possible."

The government seeks public support to strengthen its bid, emphasizing the necessity of infrastructure, planning, and funding to make this vision a reality. Nandy concluded with a call for unity in believing that the Olympics can indeed return home to the North.