Sports minister calls for ‘much more diverse’ host cities for Commonwealth Games

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sports minister Nigel Huddleston launched an impassioned defence of the Commonwealth Games but accepted a “much more diverse” range of host countries is required going forwards. Huddleston told the PA news agency: “The Commonwealth still has resonance and value, particularly in a diverse city like Birmingham where there’s a lot of people who have come from the Commonwealth. Having discussed the issue with Dame Louise Martin, the president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Huddleston believes joint bids might entice a more diverse range of countries to apply as hosts in future. “That’s something we can look at, potentially, because then the costs can be split of hosting the Games across multiple countries and potentially open up to more countries doing it.” Huddleston’s focus is on ensuring these Games – which have benefited from a public investment of £778million – provide a long-lasting legacy, with inspiring future generations central to his vision.