Emma McClarkin MEP to showcase British sport for European politicians

East Midlands Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin will host a delegation of Members of the European Parliament in London this week to showcase British sport. The delegation will meet with Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport, visit the Olympic venues and see projects developed by the Lawn Tennis Association, Rugby Football Union and the Premier League.

The visit is designed to demonstrate the value of British sport, at both professional and grassroots levels and to show the passion that sport arouses in the UK. It comes at an opportune time, as the European Parliament is currently debating a report by a Spanish member of the delegation on how to encourage the “European dimension” in sport. The plans, revealed in July, include some controversial elements, including proposals to place the European flag on national team shirts.

Emma said:

“Hosting the Olympics next year will not only be a fantastic event for British people, it will be an opportunity to show the rest of the world how important sport is in our country.

“With the London legacy project, the Cultural Olympiad, and new volunteering programs, we will also have the chance to demonstrate that sport can have an impact on all of our lives, whether we take part in it or not.

“I hope that my European colleagues enjoy their visit to the UK. Europe is playing an increasingly large role in sport policy and I want to clearly highlight the importance of sport to British people.

“Where Europe can add-value, by supporting volunteering and encouraging development at grassroots level, we should work with the EU but we should also be vocal in defending our right to set sport policy in the UK as we see fit.”