Commonwealth Games could 'breathe fresh life back into Glasgow' says Anas Sarwar

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is to hold a summit with Glasgow businesses to discuss the return of the Commonwealth Games to the city.

The Games were due to take place in Victoria, Australia, in 2026, but the state pulled out last year, leading to a scramble to find a new host.

If Glasgow were to take on the Games for the second time in 12 years, the event would be scaled back and the country would receive a £100m compensation package paid by Victoria to the Commonwealth Games Foundation.

Glasgow last hosted the Games in 2014 and despite enthusiasm from across the political spectrum, the Scottish Government has been hesitant due to potential costs incurred to already-strained public finances.

But ahead of the meeting, the Scottish Labour leader said the Commonwealth Games could kick start economic recovery for the city.

“Glasgow is a phenomenal city and hosting the Commonwealth Games again is a chance to breathe fresh life into the city and complete the legacy of the successful 2014 games,” he said.

“For too long this fantastic city has been let down, but this could help to kickstart the process of economic renewal.

“From boosting local businesses to advertising Brand Scotland to the world, the economic opportunities here are huge.

“Scotland has been held back for too long – but change is possible.

“This is a chance to put Scotland on the world stage and unlock Glasgow’s vast potential, and it is a chance we cannot afford to miss.”

The UK Government is also behind the proposals, with Scottish Secretary Ian Murray saying this week they would “leave no stone unturned” to bring the Games to Scotland, but adding there is “no public money to invest”.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Discussions on this issue are ongoing and no decision has been taken by the Scottish Government.

“As part of these discussions, the Health Secretary will meet with Commonwealth Games Australia next week.

“Due diligence is being given to the many opportunities and risks this proposal presents.”

The multi-sport event is held every four years across Commonwealth countries, with Birmingham the most recent host city in 2022. Edinburgh hosted the Games in 1970 and 1986.