UK government spends £7 million examining possible northern England sports event

The UK government is spending £7 million to take a closer look at possible plans for the north of England to host the world's biggest sports event, according to the BBC. The proposed event, called the "Northern Games", is envisaged for 2040 or beyond.

Andy Burnham is the Prime Minister. He made a statement to the House of Commons, the elected chamber of Parliament at Westminster, on 12 October 2026. A BBC analysis suggested the prime minister might be dreaming of gold medals in 2040.

The analysis, headed by a comparison of quick wins and big dreams, also looked at how the government is working. Some ministers describe that approach as "the politics of trying", a phrase for pursuing small ideas that give direction.

Labour's manifesto, the document setting out the party's election promises, included a pledge not to change income tax, VAT or National Insurance for workers. National Insurance is the payroll contribution paid by workers and employers.

The northern England proposal sits alongside that pledge, which the BBC reported as one of the party's commitments. The £7 million is the sum the government has committed to examining the plans, and the Northern Games remains a proposal for 2040 or beyond.