SWANSEA'S CITY OF CULTURE 2021 BID

That this House welcomes Swansea's shortlisting to be named UK City of Culture in 2021, reminding the UK of the richness of the Welsh heritage in this creative and cultural city; recognises its diversity, urban and creative, coastal and rural, historic and innovative; further recognises that Swansea has a cosmopolitan city centre coupled with traditional seaside charm, and was awarded the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with award-winning beaches and dramatic landscapes; notes that Swansea is a city with a rich and diverse mix of the very best of British and Welsh ingredients; further welcomes the contribution to the city's cultural identity made by the University of Swansea and the University of Trinity St David, both of which add to the vibrancy and diversity of the city; further notes Swansea's ambition and drive that have successfully secured investments including a new City Deal and, subject to approval, the world's first tidal lagoon, both of which will create a new digital and innovative cultural infrastructure for Swansea; notes the cross-party support for Swansea's bid within the city and across the region; and calls on the Government to support Swansea's bid to be named UK City of Culture in 2021.