Derry and Belfast barred from European Capital of Culture

Derry's hopes of surpassing City of culture 2013 have been dealt a major blow.

Ms. Reichert dealt the hammer blow in a letter to the Conservative Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Karen Bradley, which was issued on behalf of the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr Tibor Navracsics

She wrote: "I would like to inform you that following its withdrawal from the European Union, the participation of the United Kingdom in the European Capital of Culture Union action will not be possible.

"Indeed, according to the rules adopted by the European Parliament and the Council (Decision 445/2014/EU), this action is not open to third countries, except for candidate countries and EFTA/EEA countries under strictly defined conditions (see Article 3 'Access to the Action').

"As a consequence of the above and also on grounds of sound and responsible management of human and financial resources, the Commission considers that the selection commission should immediately be discontinued."

Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council have expressed concern from the get-go that Brexit could torpedo the joint Derry/Belfast bid for European Capital of Culture status.

Backing the city bid in February, Sinn Féin councillor said: Sinn Féin Councillor Mickey Cooper backed the proposal but commented: “In relation to the Brexit scenario, the fact that we are even discussing it shows in its own light how disastrous it could be for all of us.”