Alex - I completely agree that as Beijing prepares to host the Olympics, democratic nations must not shirk their duty to hold China to account for its appalling human rights record and refusal to apply effective pressure on the Sudanese government to end the genocide in Darfur.
In today's Times, Martin Samuel argues that the Government is worthy of a gold medal for its "pathetic refusal" to challenge China on human rights and Darfur. He reckons that worries of a boycott of the 2012 Olympics is behind this cowardice. I fear he's right.
Samuel also praises Team Darfur, an international coalition of athletes committed to highlighting the ongoing crisis. Let's hope more British athletes are prepared to resist pressure from the BOA and join their peers from around the world in taking a stand.
One final thought - at this time of Conservative Future elections, Darfur is surely a cause worthy of championing by our party's youth wing?
