Digby Jones sparks Second City debate after radio comments

Leading Birmingham figures have hit back at claims by Lord Digby Jones that it is in danger of losing its second city status.

Historian Carl Chinn blamed the national media for stirring up a debate, which was sparked by remarks made on radio by Lord Jones of Birmingham.

The former trade secretary, who was born in Birmingham, has said Manchester could soon snatch its title away.

Rather than falling into the trap of competing for the status, Mr Chinn said the city should become its own number one.

“Birmingham has always ploughed its own furrow from the time of Joseph Chamberlain. What we need to keep on doing is be proactive, be strong and be proud,” he said.

“It’s about time we abandoned this pathetic title of second city.

“Birmingham is the second biggest city in terms of size and population but we shouldn’t get wrapped up in a meaningless title. Does anybody hear Barcelona say they’re second to Madrid?

“Birmingham is too close to London for comfort, and the London media continually set us up in this pathetic battle with Manchester about who’s second.”

Lord Jones’ comments come after a very successful weekend for Manchester’s football teams. United wrapped up their 19th league title, while City beat Stoke in the FA Cup Final.

Lord Jones claimed Birmingham’s skill base was not good enough.

He added: “I think when you see the buzz about Manchester, I think a lot of people in Britain would think of [the second city] as Manchester, not Birmingham – no matter how much that grieves me.

“From Manchester United, it’s Manchester City, it’s Oasis, it’s Coronation Street. It’s all the things which give people this identity and ability to believe in themselves.

“Birmingham has almost always apologised for itself. It has never had the leg-up that northern cities have had.”

But Prof David Bailey, the former director of the Birmingham Business School, added: “We’ve got a lot to be proud of in the improvement in education performance, the diversification of the economy, the mix of skills in high value manufacturing right through to the digital economy.”