Gordon Brown in Olympics
August 23, 2008
Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, was critical about British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s attendance at the Games, citing concerns over human rights. In his defence, Brown said he expected athletes to…
“…perform to the maximum of their ability…[and]…celebrate genuine Olympic ideals of sportsmanship”.
Gordon Brown told Xinhua, a Chinese News Agency:
“This I think, is the most important message of the Olympics - that the world be brought through sport - and it is that I am in Beijing to celebrate.”
Responding to the criticism in a public reply, Brown wrote that supporting China’s “re-engagement” in the world of sports was in Britain’s national interest.
“Support for the Games and engagement with China is not at the expense of human rights. It is integral to their promotions. China has made enormous social and economic progress over the last three decades, but much more remains to be done.”
Gordon Brown assured that Britain would maintain “close co-operation” regarding the Olympics with China after the next host, London, receives the flag from Beijing at Sunday’s closing ceremony.
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