I am extremely angry that the European Commission has taken the unfair and unjustified decision to exclude UK cities including Nottingham from bidding to become the European City of Culture in 2023. Time, effort and money have all been put into this process by local individuals, businesses and public bodies, only to be wasted if this very poor decision is allowed to stand. Nottingham has a very strong bid and I am outraged that all the hard work will have been for nothing.
Although this scheme is administered by the European Commission, it has never been restricted to the European Union and has always been open to all European cities. We are looking to conclude an agreement with the EU which is not just about trade but develops our cultural and artistic links. The EU insists it wants that too, yet it makes an announcement like this out of the blue.
It would seem that the Commission is acting in bad faith, it has strung us along. I am determined this should not be the end of the road. I have already contacted the Department of Culture, Media and Sports, which are as appalled as I am. We will be challenging this appalling decision.