LONDON WILL DELIVER THE BEST OLYMPICS EVER

12.54.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th Jul 2005

Commenting on International Olympic Committee decision to award the 2012 games to London, Liberal Democrat London Assembly sport spokesperson and chair of the Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee, Dee Doocey, said:-

"This is fantastic news for London and for the rest of the United Kingdom.

"Tribute must be paid to Seb Coe and his team for the tireless efforts that have gone on in their attempt to bring the bid to the capital. Lord Coe has snatched victory out of defeat and has delivered London the greatest spectacle on earth and has secured rejuvenation of one of the poorest areas of the country.

"However, we must not rest on our laurels. Although seven years sounds a long time, it is now vital that London gets out of the starting blocks quickly to deliver the best games in history, to meet the necessary timescales and to ensure that plans remain within budget.

"The clock is ticking. It is now time that London moves up yet another gear so that the capital can put on the best prepared, organised and delivered games that provides a lasting legacy for our great city."

ENDS