UK cities like Dundee having their Capital of Culture bids ruined by Brexit shows the “sun is setting” on the Tory vision of “empire 2.0”, says an SNP MP.
Patrick Grady said the UK losing its seat on the International Court of Justice, EU agencies leaving the country and the bombshell revelation that British bids for the culture status will not be considered revealed the true measure of Brexit.
Damian Green, who was filling in for Theresa May at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, said the MP for Glasgow North should not be surprised that EU agencies would pull out of state that is leaving the bloc.
He added: “I think it is extremely disappointing that after they’ve (the European Commission) let British cities – including I know some in Scotland – ask to apply to be part of the process, the commission decided that they couldn’t.
“We are in urgent talks with the commission about that and in particular we are making sure that all those cities that applied can continue with their cultural development.
“Cultural development has been shown to be an extremely good basis for the regeneration of cities and towns across the UK.”
Dundee was delivered the crushing news last week that its bid for the European Capital of Culture status could not be successful because of Brexit.
The European Commission said the participation of UK cities “will not be possible”, but talks aimed at reversing that decision are ongoing.
Earlier this year, Whitehall officials nicknamed a plan to increase trade links with African Commonwealth countries “empire 2.0”.
