Should London host the Olympics?

The assessment of the bid for a London Olympics in 2012 is completed on Saturday.

After four days studying London's bid, visiting the proposed sites and dining with dignitaries the International Olympic Committee's 16-strong evaluation team will prepare its report ahead of the vote on 6 July.

London is competing with Paris, Madrid, Moscow and New York to host the Games.

The bid team is promoting London's multiculturalism as a leading strength - but is their enthusiasm matched outside the capital?

Are you backing the bid for London? Will the facilities be white elephants once the Games are over? Does another part of the UK have a stronger case? Which of the five shortlisted cities is your best bet to win?

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This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received so far:

Yes I want the Olympics here in London, and I feel we should get them too. We have not had the games since 1948, far too long to wait! I feel that despite all the concerns about the transport being overcrowded already, they do seem committed to improving it, and if that is the only way/time we'll get such improvements then bring it on.
Samantha Marshall, London, UK

Why on earth would I back the bid? I won't see any more of the Olympics than if they were hosted in another country. The only involvement I'll have is that my money will end up paying for it! Yet another London-focused event that somehow we're all supposed to be ecstatic about. No, thank you.
Christy, Newcastle, UK

Why isn't there a clamour to support London in it's 2012 Olympic bid? We've all seen how great the Sydney and Athens Olympics were, if we could support the bid and deliver a games near to as good as those it would be something special to everyone in this country. Instead of everyone moaning how bad everything is about the bid just support it and be happy we're even considered with all the pessisimistic attitudes.
Jonny C, Port Talbot, South Wales

We have a great chance of hosting a really exciting event Gina, Cambridge, UK

I'm really surprised and disappointed to see so many negative comments about London hosting the Games. It's important not to be naive about plans which can, and do, fail sometimes, but the British seem to take cynicism to a new level! Why can't we all get behind this campaign? We have a great chance of hosting a really exciting event and showing the world that we CAN put on a brilliant show. Hosting the Games would benefit the whole country in terms of tourism, and they're also planning to relocate structures away from London afterwards..
Gina, Cambridge, UK

I think it is totally inappropriate for a country which closes schools, local post-offices and hospital wings down, because we cannot afford to run them and yet we can spend billions on a sports event which lasts two weeks! Are there any guarantees that we can earn money from this event through the tourism and business we hope to gain?
Gerald Hone, Swansea

No. And why is there no opportunity to vote on the London 2012 website? I object to public money being used to market an expensive gimmick for which Londoners will have to pay. The first question should have been "Does the country support it?" If there was general support then it might be reasonable to use taxpayers' money in the bid. Since there is not general support, it is obscene to use taxpayers' money to try to convince them to support it.
Clare, London

Athens 2004 was great... for sport and for public transport, but not for tax payers. My heart says Yes, my head No.
Shona, London, UK

Come on London! One of the world's greatest cities hosting one of the world's greatest events. I think London has an excellent chance of winning the bid.
David, Dorset, UK

The money spent in hosting the games could be far better spent on the NHS, Education, transport, the armed forces, and law enforcement agencies Stuart Read, Romford, Essex

I hope we don't get the games as I feel that both New York and Paris would be better suited, for a start both cities have far better and more affordable public transport systems than London. Secondly, the Americans are far better at staging world events (see previous summer and winter games, World cups etc) Thirdly the money spent in hosting the games could be far better spent on the NHS, Education, transport, the armed forces, and law enforcement agencies. Lastly and most importantly we would be left with untold white elephants, once the games were finished which every Londoner would have to pay for, by means of council taxes.
Stuart Read, Romford, Essex

We could do it, but as someone points out any big public sector projects costs far more than budgeted. We spend more, run late, then argue for years. Perhaps it could be run by someone outside of the control of the politicians?
Dave M, Crewe, Cheshire

In a word, no. Draconian firearms restrictions the Labour Party forced through mean that all shooting events will have to be held outside the UK. So this gives the Olympic committee a tailor-made excuse.
Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Japan

If all the new infrastructure can be provided for the Games, why can't it be provided for us now? The only people to benefit will be the sort of people who would not think of earning a living by producing something of real value.
Jim Roper, Weymouth, UK

As a Londoner I'm hopeful that we will host the 2012 Olympic Games. We should as a nation get behind this and show were a proud country. England can and will show the rest of the world that we can put on a spectacular games, one never to be forgotten.
Jaye, London

I think this is an opportunity to make this country great once again. This country has been lacking in pride and honour. The work done for the Olympics in London will unite us the fantastic achievements that can be made by this country. We must also take into account that some events are not just located within London but in Wales, Scotland and the rest of England. This means that the country's transport links are greatly improved, our security is tested improving our future capability and our sports venues and education facilities are improved to the highest degree ensuring a lasting legacy to the future of Great Britain. Great Britain - that is what all visitors will remember.
James Smith, Bristol

I am tired of being told in every tube train, bus stop and bus that I should make London proud Paul, Southend

I am pretty tired of being told I should "Back the Bid". It is not that I dislike the Olympics, sports or athletes; I just feel that the short lived public euphoria born from a few medals falls short of providing a benefit that justifies the cost. I am tired of being told in every tube train, bus stop and bus that I should make London proud.
Paul, Southend

It's amazing to see how many Brits don't want the Games. This is a fantastic event and will promote London on the world stage. The British public as always seem intent on being negative and pessimistic.
Will (expat pomme), Melbourne, Australia

As a nation we cannot afford to host the Olympics. If the billions can be found for this it should be used to help the deprived areas and not a few business men who will make millions.
R Hawksworth, North Lincolnshire

Oh, when will British people stop moaning, get behind a British project and support it wholeheartedly, without being pessimistic or ironic about it. I bet you anything the French and the Americans don't question whether the Olympics should go to their country one single bit. I really hope London wins the bid. I certainly will be cheering on!
Raluca, Brit in the States

Should the Olympics come here? Absolutely. I'd say we have the strongest sporting history of any country in the world. There is no better place for it.
Paul Preece, Epsom, UK

For goodness sake let give it a go, have the games and put all the negatives on the back burner, we have the backing of our Queen and the Princess Royal, which is more than Prince Charles has so we must be on a winner for once!
Jill Mclaughlin, Liverpool, England

In a word, No. Draconian firearms restrictions the Labour Party forced through mean that all shooting events will have to be held outside the UK. So this gives the Olympic committee a tailor-made excuse.
Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Japan

As a Londoner I'm hopeful that we will host the 2012 Olympic games. We should as a nation get behind this and show we're a proud country. England can and will show the rest of the world that we can put on a spectacular games, one never to be forgotten.
Jaye, London

The transport system can't cope as it is, despite the fact we're being told it will cope in the future and is getting better everyday.... This I have yet to see! It would be nice to have, but an absolute nightmare... On average, it can take an hour to get across London as it is, can you imagine what it will be like with the Olympics on as well? Nice idea, and it really would be nice, but not in London...
Ken, Herts, UK

The Olympic Committee should take heed of the words of one Alan Partridge: 'go to London and you'll either be mugged or not appreciated!'
Sam, Chester, UK

Of course we want the Olympics in the UK and where better then our capital city. I wish all the doom and gloom merchants would keep their mouths shut!
Keith, Stonehouse, Glos

I think people have forgotten London exists, it has been that long since it has hosted a major sporting event.
Tom Green, Scunthorpe

I remember the Festival of Britain and the abiding goodwill it left in the hearts and minds of the thousands who visited that great exhibition. Imagine, then, what the Olympics could achieve in 2012! We have a country to be proud of, and the benefits of a hugely successful Games will become part of our future.
Christopher Sewell, Deal, England

Many moons ago there was a Dome, a Millennium Dome, filled with many of the same promises as are heralded by the Olympics, yet millions was wasted on an ill-fated venture. Our health service is ailing, our transport links are struggling and our postal service is doomed. Money set aside for the Olympics would be much better spent getting our own house in order before welcoming the world through our front door.
Sally, Sussex, England

I hope they're planning a LOT of covered stadia for this event. If not to protect against the weather, then perhaps to protect athletes from London's disgusting-smelling air.
Ian, Brit in USA

If London is awarded the Olympics, the first thing most 'residents' (remember them?) will notice is the enormous rise in house prices, rental costs and the cost of living. Businesses and property owners must be rubbing their hands with glee. What's the point of hosting the games if the only people who will benefit are those wealthy enough to remain?
Tazzy, London, UK

A wide boy on every street corner waiting to fleece the tourists Paul, Leicester

I would love to be able to witness an event such as the Olympic games and where better than a beautiful city like Paris? Two events for the price of one, and as for London it's overcrowded, dirty, and a wide boy on every street corner waiting to fleece the tourists.
Paul, Leicester

Naturally, I'm hopeful the Olympics come to this country. Where, exactly, isn't an issue for me. However, I conjure up embarrassing pictures of the chaos we've come to expect when we attempt anything second nature to our European neighbours. On the opening day, leaves on the tracks will probably bring all trains in and out of the capital to a halt and pubs and restaurants will be denied extended licensing hours just when the rest of the normal world could do with a drink or two. Welcome to try-hard Britain!
Patrick V. Staton, Guildford, UK

Why does everything always revolve around London? There are plenty of venues and big stadiums in the north of England that could more than likely put a better show on than in London.
Shaun, Leeds

Why are there no really deprived places on the shortlist? Julia Hayward, St Neots, UK

London's bid seemed to be based on the fact that we haven't already got the facilities, and getting the Olympics will help regenerate deprived areas. If that's the case, why are there no really deprived places on the shortlist? Why not use the money behind the games to assist developing countries, rather than already over-developed ones?
Julia Hayward, St Neots, UK

It will be a marvellous opportunity for Britain's sports and to show the world what a great and beautiful city London now is. Visitors will be able to marvel at London's skyline as they stroll along the walkways and enjoy hospitality in the regenerated areas along the banks of the Thames. None of the other competitors has a better case and it's really not helpful to discuss competition within the UK at this stage.
John M, Lyne Meads, UK

The Games will be an expensive nuisance in London which lacks the transport infrastructure for current activities. It would be better to spend any money on improved transport services rather than grandiose events for VIPs. Most of us will view the games on TV anyway. I hear echoes of the Dome in all the puffery for the bid, which is itself a total waste of public money.
P Hutchinson, Wantage, England

London for sure! It will be a much needed incentive and opportunity to fix up the transport - tidy up and get ready to show the world that London really is the most exciting city to be in!!
James, Bournemouth, UK

Moscow should get the opportunity to present the world its new character Shamintha Jayatilaka, Bristol

London's public transport is already overcrowded and outdated, compared to other cities such as Vienna. The London area is vast making it impossible for spectators coming from abroad to travel without complications to the sites. The threat from terrorists at the crowded tube stations makes it impossible for me to support the bid. Instead Moscow should get the opportunity to present the world its new character.
Shamintha Jayatilaka, Bristol, Avon

I certainly hope London gets the Olympics and I'm a bit sick of doom merchants who don't want to see anything good for our country. Sydney made a profit and despite all their troubles, Greece is heading for a profit too. Unfortunately no other part of Britain has the international pulling power to ever have chance of hosting the Olympics.
Phil Tatler, Stoke-on-Trent

Us British have a proven record for going hugely over-budget and generally messing things up when it comes big public projects. Let someone else do a good job of it!
GW, London, England

Yes London should host the Olympics, this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
George Nipah, London, England

I think the games are an extravaganza we can do without. I am sure that the Leeds, Nottingham, Manchester triangle would benefit to a greater extent. In any event I reckon that Paris stands the best chance.
Tim Rollinson, Tonbridge, UK

I hope the Olympics do not go to London. It's common knowledge that these things never generate as much money as they cost. All that money could be far better spent investing in other parts of the UK, instead of promoting London, yet again. London may be the capital city, but it's time we stopped over-emphasising its importance.
James Robson, Scotland