Recommendation 1

HM Government Acknowledged

The Government welcomes the Committee’s recognition of the value of the UK hosting major events, and the benefits these have provided to the nation over the past decade, domestically and in terms of our global reputation. 2022 is set to be a memorable year, with an unprecedented number of major events happening in quick succession across sport and culture. The recent Platinum Jubilee, which brought people together in celebration and created connections right across the UK and the globe, is a fine example of this. We recognise the importance of having a cohesive and forward-looking approach to major events, to ensure each event delivers on a shared vision and contributes to realising the Government’s broader ambitions. However, our current assessment is that publishing a strategy for major cultural and sporting events is not an immediate priority for achieving these aims. 2022 is a unique year, with a significant number of major cultural and sporting events, and is unlikely to be replicated in the near future. During 2022, the Government is working hard to ensure all events are delivered on time and to budget, and we remain fully committed to investing all necessary resources to secure a long-term legacy for each event. The delivery of our extensive ongoing programme of work, including event delivery, legacy and evaluation, is our immediate focus. In order to build on the impact made this year, the Government is establishing a new cross-Government Events Team sitting across the Cabinet Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The new unit will strengthen governance and strategic collaboration, to help ensure that the Government maintains a coherent and forward-looking approach to major events throughout this Parliament and Spending Review period and into the next. The joint unit will offer specialist support to Government departments as they organise major events and ensure that they deliver on key Government priorities. Once established, it will be best placed to consider the most effective measures to enhance cross-Government strategic join-up. However, the Government is already taking forward work to improve the strategic framework for major events. Beyond 2022, the major international events that DCMS will continue to bid for and stage will predominantly be sporting events. These events are underpinned by the Gold Framework for Major Sporting Events, which is currently being refreshed for publication later this year. The refresh will further ensure that event bidding strategies are developing in accordance with the Government’s priorities. Alongside the Gold Framework, a number of complementary strategies or strategic frameworks - including the Tourism Recovery Plan, the Levelling Up White Paper, and Sporting Future - underpin the Government’s approach to major events, ensuring they are considered holistically and in the context of our wider policy programme.