Last night (14/07), James Lancaster, councillor for Tattenhoe, delivered a speech that expressed his support for the city status bid.
Ahead of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee later next year, a number of towns will be granted city status to mark the historic event.
After receiving full support from all parties on the Council, Milton Keynes could have its status upgraded.
Although the event’s recording experienced some technical difficulties with the audio, that didn’t stop a number of councillors expressing their passion for Milton Keynes.
Once such person was James Lancaster, the councillor for Tattehoe. He spoke about his love for the town and why he supported the motion in front of the full council last night.
He said: “I am especially pleased to be able to stand here today and champion a city, and I will say city, that has provided me and many other residents of MK a fresh start and new opportunities.
“When I came to live in Milton Keynes, I was at a crossroads – having just fallen short of what was needed to live in New Zealand and finding myself back up North in Selby, I felt stuck and lacking direction.
“So, when I found myself upping sticks and moving down South, I was unsure of what I would expect but fortunately what welcomed me was exactly what I needed.
“A diverse, vibrant and community-focused city whose geographical diversity was matched by the diversity of the people that live here. A city driven by culture and history, sports and green spaces, innovation and opportunity.
“The sheer number of green spaces around the Borough and the community-driven areas like the Tattenhoe ward I represent show a great deal of civic pride for Milton Keynes and we should make sure these are at the forefront of our bid for city status.
“Added to this our drive for innovation and technology. A home for the Starship Robots and a testing ground for an Electric Scooter revolution.
“MK is much more than just Concrete Cows and Roundabouts, even though we should still continue to shout about them.
We are our own place and we have a lot to offer.
“For a city young in age, although at 54, we would probably be considered middle aged, we thrive on taking on responsibility and hosting great sporting and cultural events. These should be key to showcasing why MK should become a city.
“The European City of Sport award, the 2022 Women’s Football Euros and the Milton Keynes International Festival that is currently ongoing now – we are truly a hotbed for sporting and cultural activity.
“To sum up, Mr. Mayor. I am in full support of this motion to bid for Milton Keynes to achieve city status.
“We deserve to be on the map so that new doors are opened and fresh opportunities are made for the people who drive Milton Keynes forward each and every day.”
