Why I agree with Konnie Huq
Watching the live coverage of the Olympic torch relay through the streets of London yesterday, I was fully expecting to see protesters attempt to disrupt the parade. In a way, I would have been disappointed if I hadn't – and not just because this would have denied the world the opportunity to see Her Majesty's Constabulary laying down the law, old-school style.
As many of the torch-bearers tried to emphasise, one should never confuse the Olympics and Politics. Unfortunately, the two are undeniably inseparable. Awarding the games to China was based upon their (rather weak) assurance that they would improve their (dire) human rights record: the extent to which they have taken the world for fools is illustrated in just how little information about their oppressive regime in Tibet is allowed to surface.
Britain, and all other free democratic states, should be proud that it's people are allowed to protest and express their views. We should be even more proud of the fact that the protests in London struck a fine balance between raising awareness for the Free Tibet campaign, but that ultimately did not disrupt the journey of the flame. Take note, France.
One of the protesters claimed that China had "no right" to be doing what they are doing to the people of Tibet. I disagree: it is their territory, they have every right to do as they please there. That is not to say that their actions are not disgraceful, but the fact that Britain and the great swathes of the international community allow them to continue is equally abhorrent.
Let's not forget that Tibet is not the world's only problem right now. Every single day, moral and legal injustices occur around the world, but they are allowed to continue because there is not the political will to solve them.
Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi has, to date, been held under house arrest for twelve years and 166 days. Her crime was to win the nation's elections with a clear majority. In Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe has declared a "war" in order to hold on to power he has been democratically stripped of. In Cyprus, the north of the island is still inhabited by the descendants of an illegal Turkish occupation. Goodness only knows what's going on in North Korea. Many would argue that Britain is illegally occupying Northern Ireland, and say the same about Spain and the Basque region: what's important is that the will of the people is satisfied. Sometimes, they need help. For the people of Tibet, it doesn't look forthcoming.
