Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, the MP for Solihull West and Shirley, has called on the BBC to correct an article that inaccurately placed the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, rather than Solihull. The error appeared in coverage following Prince Harry's recent visit to the venue, which will host the 2027 Invictus Games.
MP Demands Geographical Accuracy
In a letter to the BBC, Dr Shastri-Hurst criticised the 'geographical inaccuracies' and stated: "The NEC is situated within the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull, and it is there that the Games will be hosted." He stressed that while the 2027 Invictus Games carries official Birmingham branding for international recognition, the majority of events will actually take place at the NEC in Solihull. The venue is commonly associated with Birmingham for major international events, including WWE's Monday Night Raw last August.
Not a Rivalry, but a Request for Accuracy
Dr Shastri-Hurst emphasised this was "not an exercise in municipal rivalry" but a request for accurate reporting. He highlighted that the NEC has been "one of the country's premier exhibition and conference venues" for decades. The MP stressed the Games are "a source of considerable pride for the borough, its residents, and its businesses" who will welcome international competitors and visitors. He called on the BBC to "amend" the article to properly acknowledge Solihull as the host community for this "remarkable international event."
