Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gordon Brown will not attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics although he will be there for the closing of the Games, Downing Street confirmed tonight.
A No 10 spokeswoman said it had always been his intention that he would go only for the closing ceremony - when Britain accepts the Olympic torch from China ahead of the 2012 Games in London - and that the move did not represent a boycott.
"Our reasons for going are exactly the came as they have always been. We still think it is the right thing to do. There is no change in our position," the spokeswoman.
Mr Brown publicly accepted an invitation to the Games in January during his official visit to China.
His spokesman confirmed officially that he would be going for the closing ceremony at a briefing for political journalists on 19 March.
However the news was overshadowed by Mr Brown's announcement that he had agreed to meet the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan leader, when he visits Britain in May, and attracted little attention.
As a result, some MPs have assumed that when Mr Brown said he was going to the Games he was referring to the opening ceremony.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg tonight urged Mr Brown to press the Chinese to abandon plans for the Olympic torch relay to go through Tibet, in the face of bitter opposition from Free Tibet campaigners.
"From his reluctance to bring up human rights during his recent visit to China, to his last minute agreement to meet the Dalai Lama, the Prime Minister has failed to show real leadership on this vital issue," he said.
"He should now follow his decision not to attend the opening ceremony by insisting that the Chinese quickly enter into negotiations with the Dalai Lama and abandon the needlessly provocative plan to parade the torch through Tibet."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments