Manchester Central floated to host Trump and world leaders at G20 summit in 2027
The former G-Mex centre, which has hosted The Smiths, Oasis and X-Factor auditions, is reportedly in the running for the largest summit ever held in Manchester. The move was set up after Burnham invited Trump to the city in their first phone call.
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Over the years it has played host to The Smiths, Oasis and X-Factor auditions. Now Manchester Central is reportedly in the running to host Donald Trump and other world leaders at the G20 summit.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service reports that the Manchester Central Convention Complex has been floated as the venue for the 2027 gathering of the world's biggest economies. If the city is chosen, it would be the largest summit ever held in Manchester.
The government refused to confirm the details but insisted more information "will be announced in due course."
How did this happen?
The move was reportedly set up months ago after Andy Burnham became Prime Minister. He used his first phone call with Trump to invite him to the city, which is said to have been accepted.
Manchester Central was earmarked as the most suitable venue because of its city centre location and its track record hosting large political events, including the Conservative Party conference. Holding the event in Manchester is seen as part of Burnham's promise to shift power away from London.
Planning is understood to have already started for the enormous gathering, which will require the biggest security operation the city has ever seen. The UK last hosted the G20 in London in 2009, when the security bill was an estimated £7.2 million.
What do businesses think?
Robert Downes from the Federation of Small Businesses in Greater Manchester described the G20 as an "absolute win-win-win" for the region.
He said: "Political elites and decision-makers from around the globe will be in town for a few days to see and soak up what makes our part of the world special, with Mancunian hospitality hopefully being grandstanded."
G20 countries represent around two-thirds of the world's entire population. The annual event brings together leaders from 19 nations, the EU and the African Union.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where will the 2027 G20 summit be held?
- Manchester Central is reportedly being considered as the host venue, though the government has yet to officially confirm the location.
- Has the UK hosted the G20 before?
- Yes, the UK previously hosted the G20 summit in London in 2009, which involved a major security operation.
- Why is Manchester being considered for the G20?
- Reports suggest Prime Minister Andy Burnham invited US President Donald Trump to the city, aligning with pledges to shift political focus away from London.