London's diversity wins Olympic Games!

12.55.54pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 6th Jul 2005

Reacting to the news that the IOC has decided on London to host the 2012 Olympic Games, London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford said:

"I'm particularly delighted that the IOC has recognised London's superior Olympic-friendly merit as a cosmopolitan and proudly multicultural city."

"Paris has many assets, but France showed its insularity and discomfort around EU enlargement and globalisation in its vote on the EU constitution. In contrast London is open and comfortable with diversity, essential for a city that expects an international role."

"Great congratulations are due to Lord Seb Coe and his team who have done a magnificent job in convincing the Olympic movement of our fitness for this honour."

"The challenge now for London is not only to ensure we put on a first-class Games, but also that the legacy in transport, sports and housing infrastructure improves the quality of life for Londoners for decades thereafter."