Concern Over Proposed Gagging of British Athletes on Human Rights in China

8.48.22pm GMT Mon 11th Feb 2008

There should be no question of gagging British athletes from speaking out on human rights in China

Reacting to the news that British athletes will be unable to criticise China's human rights record whilst performing in the Olympic Games, Nick Clegg has criticised the kowtowing of the British government. UK Olympians had been required to sign contracts which would have prohibited political demonstrations or propaganda.

Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg protests"There should be no question of gagging British athletes from speaking out on human rights. This is part of a worrying pattern in which Britain appears to be kowtowing to the sensitivities of the Chinese Communist Government. Last month Gordon Brown visited China and said nothing publicly about China's dismal human rights record."

The British Olympic Association has said it will now look again at the wording of the draft agreement.