A Festival of Britain should be held as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, the Commons heard last week.

Independent MP Andrew Pelling (Croydon Central) said commemorating the monarch's 60 years on the throne could be brought together with the London Olympics and the UK's business achievements.

During Commons question time, Mr Pelling said the country would "do well" to follow the example of the 1951 Festival of Britain's, which aimed to raise the nation's spirits after war and austerity by promoting the best in British art, design and industry.

Following up a question on preparations for the Diamond Jubilee, Mr Pelling said: "When we have so many people coming here with the Olympics, we could celebrate business talent and also perhaps celebrate a recovering economy and what we have to offer outside the financial sector in terms of manufacturing and technology."

Junior business minister Ian Lucas said planning for the Jubilee was in the "early stages" and that the government was working with Buckingham Palace to draw up a programme of events.

And he said: "The great 1945 Labour government made a very wise decision in instigating the Festival of Britain, and I'm very pleased you are bringing forward very positive suggestions about Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee.

"We are very willing to listen to suggestions from all sides of the House concerning this matter, because it is an occasion that we must all celebrate."

The government has already promised a "nationwide celebration" to mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne, including an extra bank holiday on June 5 to act as a focal point for events.

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