Keetch Backs Midland Bid For National Stadium

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th Oct 2001

The Lib Dem MP for Hereford Paul Keetch has offered his support to the bid to have the national football stadium in Birmingham.

Mr Keetch, who today co-sponsored a reception for the bid in Parliament,said:

"I think that the Birmingham bid is the best in terms of transport, facilities and finances. I also think that it will be best for the fans. It seems sensible to me to have the national stadium right in the heart of the country."

He also suggested that the stadium did not have to be in London:

"We don't have to pack all our facilities within the M25. I think that a national football stadium in the Midlands would be easier to get to, would cost less and would send out a great message about the strengths of the Midlands."

Mr Keetch also used the occasion to praise his local club Hereford United:

"Hereford are a great club with a great history. Although it is well known that I am not a great football fan, I am proud to sponsor a ball most seasons, and advertise in the programme. I hope that it helps the club. Anything that is good for the team is good for the whole constituency."

He also promised to continue to try and change the system of promotion from the Nationwide Conference:

"I've always supported campaigns trying to secure an extra promotion spot in the conference, and I'll continue to do so. Everyone agrees that there should be two, or even three teams being promoted, but somehow it never happens. I'll do everything I can to change that."