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Britain wants to launch audacious bid to host the Olympics again – but it’s not as soon as you might like

BRITAIN could launch an audacious bid to host the Olympics again, minister revealed today.

The UK is considering a bid for one of the Games to level up the country in the 2040s - most likely in a city outside of London.

Greg Rutherford winning gold in 2012
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Greg Rutherford winning gold in 2012Credit: PA:Press Association
Britain last hosted the Olympics in London in 2020
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Britain last hosted the Olympics in London in 2020Credit: Getty

Boris Johnson's long-awaited plan to raise standards in left-behind areas was finally published today.

Alongside a blizzard of funding announcements - some which were repackaged - the Government committed to "bring more world-class sporting events to the country".

The document added: "The work will look at further opportunities over the years ahead including with the British Olympic and Paralympic Associations on whether it would be feasible to host the Olympics and Paralympics again in the 2040s."

The bid will likely be in a major city outside of London to help generate jobs and growth.

Mr Johnson was Mayor of London when the Olympics last came to Britain in 2012 - and famously became stuck on a zip wire.

The spectacle gripped the nation as sporting heroes like Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah were born.

As part of the levelling up blueprint, voters were also promised higher wages, quicker trains, faster internet and a longer life.

A 300-page document set out 12 national "missions" to drag poorer areas in line with London living standards.

Putting flesh on the bones of the Government's loosely-defined campaign, Michael Gove said it was the government's duty to level up.

He said: "As some areas have flourished, others have been left in a cycle of decline. The UK has been like a jet firing on only one engine."

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