Liverpool demands ‘level playing field’ in race to become ENO’s new home

English National Opera members protesting last week at the Arts Council’s decision to move it out of London. Photograph: Equity/PA

Liverpool leaders have written to the arts minister, Stephen Parkinson, asking for assurances that the contest to host the English National Opera’s next home is “a level playing field”.

It comes after reports that ministers are backing bids by Manchester and Birmingham as part of their devolution deals.