Controversial 2012 Olympic logo 'will stay'

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell insisted today that the controversial new 2012 logo will stay, as inspectors began a three-day examination of London's plans for the Olympic Games.

Ms Jowell admitted the graffiti-style logo had caused a "storm" after it was unveiled last week but said it was "adaptable" and could be used in a "variety of different contexts".

"The logo will be the logo for the Olympic Games," she told BBC Breakfast.

"One thing you can say for this logo is that it has got people talking. It has got people talking about the Olympics, it has got people talking about what they like and what they don't like."

Her remarks were made as the 16-strong International Olympic Committee co-ordination commission was due to be updated on the progress of London's plans since the last official visit in April last year.

Asked whether the logo was worth its £400,000 fee, Ms Jowell said: "I think it was, yes."


She added: "Call me unusual, but I think it's terrific."

Ms Jowell insisted that planning and development for the Olympics was "on time".

Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, she said the Olympic Delivery Authority would announce this week that tunnelling under the site is complete.

This would allow overhead cables to be taken down and the next stage of the development to get under way.

Read also: Change The London 2012 Logo
New London 2012 Brand (video)

Change The London 2012 Logo

There's an online petition to have the logo changed. 20,000 signatures so far

BBC aired some alternative designs, sent in by viewers.