Tessa Jowell Welcomes Prime Minister's Appointment Letter
079/06
Welcoming a letter from the Prime Minister setting out the priorities for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Secretary of State, Tessa Jowell, said:
"I am delighted to have been reappointed as Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It is one of the best jobs in Government, and there is an enormous amount to be done over the next few years.
"The work of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will have a real impact on the lives of just about everybody in the UK over the next few years. This is particularly true in the run up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where the real work is underway to ensure we deliver.
"The Games will be more than just 29 days of sport in 2012. There will be transformational benefits in the run-up to 2012, in a lasting legacy and real benefits for our cultural and tourism sectors. A Cultural Olympiad will be one of the highlights of the preparations for the Games.
"The UK has an artistic life of international renown. Our cultural heritage - be it buildings, literature and learning, or works of art - secures us a key role on the world stage. But changes in technology are having a profound affect on how we lead our lives, and decisions we are soon to take on the digital revolution and our place in it will affect generations to come.
"Our creative economy continues to be world-leading in the face of both new opportunities and challenges, bringing both financial and cultural benefits. And of course, my Department's support for the cultural sector is a significant part of the bedrock on which we build the creative economy.
"And never forget that the success and sustainability of everything we do in these areas depends upon us being a fit and healthy nation. A nation of couch potatoes is simply not an option.
"These priorities fit on top of the continuing and vital work of DCMS in supporting and encouraging our great cultural institutions, which continue to go from strength to strength.
"The 2012 Games will be the moment when this all comes together. Of course, there will be real challenges in achieving these priorities, but we take a robust and rigorous approach to our work. DCMS will be the lynchpin in Government to make that happen."
Note to Editors
A copy of the Prime Minister's letter to Tessa Jowell is available online. (PDF 118kb)
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