Brown accused of dithering over confused Olympics attendance plans

3.44.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 10th Apr 2008

Gordon Brown looking glum

Gordon Brown faced claims of duplicity and dithering last night when Downing Street said he would not be attending the opening ceremony of the Olympics in China, but was not boycotting the event. Critics said Brown had shirked earlier opportunities to clarify his plans, while Tibet campaigners challenged him to specify the reasons for his absence at the showpiece opening event. Brown will be attending the Olympics closing ceremony.

Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat Leader said "Too often Gordon Brown does the right thing under pressure, rather than out of conviction. 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 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."