'No-brainer' for Glasgow to host Commonwealth Games, Sarwar says

Glasgow hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games is a “no-brainer”, the Scottish Labour leader has said.

Anas Sarwar told STV News it would be a “strong shot in the arm” for a “struggling city” that has been “badly let down”.

He spoke after holding a summit with Glasgow businesses to discuss the return of the games to the city.

Talks are ongoing for Scotland’s biggest city to host the next games after Victoria, Australia pulled out due to rising costs.

But with the Scottish Government unwilling to commit money to the games, it would rely on private funding and cash from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), which has promised £100m.

The Commonwealth Games in 2014 cost around £570m with much of that being public money.

Speaking on Monday, the leader of Scottish Labour gave his backing to the games coming to Glasgow.

“It’s no secret that Glasgow is struggling right now,” Anas Sarwar said.

“The economy feels weak, local businesses are struggling, that’s having a negative impact of course on jobs in the city too.

“Glasgow needs a shot in the arm and a strong shot in the arm would be us hosting the Commonwealth Games, having over £100m of investment here in the city that wouldn’t otherwise come if we didn’t host the games.

“That’s good for business, it’s good to restart the economy – particularly in our city centre – and it’s good for Glasgow to be an advert for the rest of the world, to complete the legacy of 2014 while also showing leadership here in Glasgow.”

Anas Sarwar spoke after meeting with local business leaders about hosting the sporting event. STV News

The Scottish Labour leader said Glasgow “feels let down, feels neglected and feels ignored”.

He urged UK, Scottish and local governments to “get round the table” with businesses to attract more investment into the city.

Sarwar said the games had the opportunity to be a “fantastic advert for the city”, and one “Glasgow can’t afford to miss”.

If Glasgow were to take on the Games for the second time in 12 years, the event would be scaled back, going from 18 games to just ten.

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.

Australia has reportedly offered millions extra in investment to ensure the Games come to Glasgow.

And on Thursday health secretary Neil Gray – whose remit also covers sport – said recent talks with the country had made it more likely that the games will come to Scotland.

“I’m hopeful that we will be able to recognise that if we are to go ahead, this is a different games,” he told the BBC.

“This is a smaller event, with fewer sports across fewer sites.

“But with good collaboration, we could see something coming forward that is still positive for Glasgow and for Scotland.”