I would have thought the most important information about such an event is "why did they do it" and "what will they do next." Unlike most coupmakers, the Council has given an explanation and a clear statement of intent. I think they should be allowed to state this in their own words. This text is much more important that most of the trivia, speculation and rumour further on in the article. I don't think the text is of excessive length given the overall length of the article.