Cameron hails Olympics and queen's Jubilee as stage for Britain

Jan 2, 2012, 11:08 GMT

London - The London Olympic Games in 2012 and the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II will see Britain 'go for it' this year, Prime Minister David Cameron said Monday.

In a New Year message, Cameron admitted economic times were tough, but said the 'global drama' of the Olympics and queen's Diamond Jubilee would mean the world's eyes were on Britain.

'This will be the year Britain sees the world and the world sees Britain,' Cameron said. 'It must be the year we go for it.'

'Cameras and TV channels around the planet will be recording these magnificent events. It gives us an extraordinary incentive to look outward, look onwards and to look our best: to feel pride in who we are and what - even in these trying times - we can achieve.'

Cameron admitted there were financial difficulties across Europe, and unemployment and rising prices in Britain.

'I know how difficult it will be to get through this. But I also know that we will,' he added.

He pointed to business opportunities, and spending on better infrastructure, road and rail links and high-speed internet access as ways of bracing against the economic downturn.