Minister: Olympics Will Boost GB's Confidence

The London Games will show the world what Britain is capable of, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said.

"We've been through a very difficult patch and I think what we're going to see over the next seven weeks, is us showing the world what we're really capable of.

He said the UK's building industry would be a major benefactor.

"But here you have the biggest construction project in Europe completed on time - most of it a year early - to a budget that was set in 2007."

"This is the global sporting event," he said. "The reason people compete so hotly to get it is because of what it does for a country. It allows you to showcase your country, to present your country to the world."

Lord Coe said he has an input but the final decision will be taken by the ceremony creative teams headed by Danny Boyle and Stephen Bayley.

There is a threatened walk-out over pay and conditions, but Mr Johnson said he is confident workers will choose to get behind the Olympics.

"I think the overwhelming majority of (union members) will want to get behind the Olympic Games and come to work. I'm sure that's what's going to happen.

Meanwhile, the Olympic torch was held aloft on top of the London Eye this morning by student explorer Amelia Hempleman.

Amelia, now 17, is the daughter of adventurer David Hempleman-Adams, who carried out the expedition with her last December.

Thousands of people lined the route through Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering and Bexley.