Speaking at the Town & Country Planning Association 'Access All Areas' conference in London, Hughes said: 'The creation of accessible environments sits within the overall context of social inclusion, which is a key element of sustainable development. Where facilities are paid for by the public purse, social inclusion and accessibility should be considered as fundamentals, but, for the private sector too, companies now recognise that the exercise of corporate social responsibility requires a more enlightened approach to accessibility and social inclusion.'

Hughes stressed that the issue of accessible environments would be of great importance in any successful London bid for the 2012 Olympics. 'The decision to proceed with a London bid establishes a unique opportunity to drive forward the principles of accessibility within the overall context of the regeneration of East London and the over-arching elements of sustainable development, most specifically--and aligned with the wishes of the International Olympic Committee--the creation of accessible environments through the Olympic process will generate long-term sustainable benefits for those with disabilities. It is vitally important for London to recognise that the Paralympics now occupy a world stage, and it would be fundamentally harmful to London's aspirations if the Paralympics were in any way to be treated as peripheral,' he said.

The British Olympic Association has until 15 July 2003 to inform the IOC if London wants to bid and until 15 January 2004 to hand the IOC further details of its plans for venues, transport and security.