A claim that Liverpool’s cultural offering does not carry “any great significance beyond the North West” has been branded “outrageous” by the region’s Metro Mayor.
An article in today’s Telegraph claimed that when it comes between this year’s two finalists to host Eurovision - Liverpool and Glasgow - “there is only one winner” and seemingly, the national broadsheet did not favour the former. Author of the piece, Ben Lawrence, went on to use his column to say that Liverpool “falls short, with no art galleries, dance companies or opera houses – at least not any that carry any great significance beyond the North West” when compared to its Scottish counterpart.
In a matter of days, Liverpool or Glasgow will be named as the host of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest after the UK stepped in on Ukraine’s behalf. In a tweet, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram hit back at Mr Lawrence’s claims in the Telegraph, branding them outrageous and calling for a retraction.
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In the piece, Mr Lawrence said most people would argue that Liverpool would come out on top if the awarding of Eurovision hosting duties was given to “the most culturally significant city”. He said: “No one can write a better melodic line than a scouser.
“Some of the world’s great TV and stage dramatists have also come out of Liverpool” and added the city is known for its great sense of humour. However, the arts writer went on to say “if you are talking about Liverpool as a great city of culture (and it was awarded that title in 2008), a destination for patrons of the arts, the argument starts to fall apart.”
The Telegraph journalist went on to claim, incorrectly, that the city has “no art galleries, dance companies or opera houses – at least not any that carry any great significance beyond the North West” and the Liverpool Empire theatre is “stymied” by its more than 2,300 capacity. Mr Lawrence said: “Glasgow is another matter entirely.”
It is worth noting that the journalist cites his own personal favourite bands being formed in the city as reasons for its listing above Liverpool in his view. Metro Mayor Mr Rotheram said on Twitter: "This is outrageous. We want a full retraction and for the ‘journalist’ to set the record straight.
"Our MPs will be asking questions about this deliberate attempt at misinformation." Among those criticising Mr Lawrence’s assessment was the Walker Art Gallery, who compiled a list on Twitter of a number of culturally significant sites throughout the city.
They tweeted: “There’s boss art and culture in every corner of our city.”
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