Oral Answers to Questions Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Rebecca Smith
Main Page: Rebecca Smith (Conservative - South West Devon)Department Debates - View all Rebecca Smith's debates with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
(1 day, 9 hours ago)
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Lisa Nandy
I absolutely agree. I think it incenses people when they see our communities being used as political playthings. That is why we have set up a judging panel, which is chaired by Sir Phil Redmond and has independent members, to award the £3 million prize money to the winner. It is also why we have left behind the failed approach of the last Government. Although this is a competition and I am already enjoying the banter in the Chamber about the respective merits of different towns, we have deliberately designed it so that there will be many winners. Every single one of the shortlisted towns will receive money to develop their bids. The three finalists will all receive prize money, and we will make sure that we find ways to amplify the unique stories of all those that take part in the competition.
Rebecca Smith (South West Devon) (Con)
Plymouth Culture has launched its bid for Plymouth to be the city of culture 2029, and I wonder if the Secretary of State realises that there has never been a southern city of culture, let alone a south-western city of culture. Does she agree that the city of culture 2029 would be the perfect opportunity to rectify this?
Lisa Nandy
The hon. Lady makes a powerful case, and I look forward to hearing more.