Leeds' Bid for European Capital of Culture 2023 scuppered by Brexit

Leeds' bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2023 has been cancelled.

The European Commission has confirmed to Radio Aire that, because of Brexit, the UK can no longer apply - and that they've discontinued the selection process.

Leeds submitted it's bid just last month.

Leeds Central MP Hilary Benn told Radio Aire he was shocked and disappointed by the decision;

A spokesperson for the European Commission said:

“The decision to nominate Hungary and the UK as hosts of the European Capitals of Culture for 2023 was taken by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers in 2014, two years before the UK decided to leave the EU. As one of the many concrete consequences of that UK decision, UK participation is no longer possible. It therefore makes sense to discontinue the selection process. Countries eligible to host the European Capitals of Culture are: EU member states, candidates to join and EFTA/EEA countries that participate in the Creative Europe programme. This is stipulated in the EU legal text governing the programme (Decision 445/2014, Article 3). ”

A Leeds MEP says tens of thousands of pounds has been spent on the bid so far.

4 other cities have been denied their bids too - Milton Keynes, Dundee, Nottingham and a joint bid from Belfast/Derry.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have released the following statement;

“We disagree with the European Commission's stance and are deeply disappointed that it has waited until after UK cities have submitted their final bids before communicating this new position to us. The Prime Minister has been clear that while we are leaving the EU, we are not leaving Europe and this has been welcomed by EU leaders. We want to continue working with our friends in Europe to promote the long-term economic development of our continent, which may include participating in cultural programmes. We remain committed to working with the five UK cities that have submitted bids to help them realise their cultural ambitions and we are in urgent discussions with the Commission on the matter.”