Olympic Torch

Why is anyone surprised at the troubles surrounding the parade of the Olympic Torch round the world?

When China was given the Olympics they agreed to far reaching changes over theri attitude to human rights. At the time the politicians in the IOC said that by giving them the games China would have to change. Now that they have not the same IOC politicians say that athletics should play no part in politics.

The sad truth is that the Chinese had no intention of changing, the IOC knew that, the political leaders in the West knew that but no one really cares, as long as China is a valuable trading partner. That is why you will not catch Brown, Bush, Clinton, Obama etc. condeming the Chinese in other than the broadest terms. They will certainly not call for cultural or business boycotts.

Sometimes it is difficult to be proud of your country, no matter which country it is. This week I was proud to be British. Proud to see the protesters out on the streets.