Brown urged to boycott Olympics

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Senior Tory MEP Edward McMillan-Scott claimed there was evidence of "persecution and genocide" in China and said EU countries should consider pulling out of the Games.

Mr McMillan-Scott, MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber and a vice-president of the European Parliament, raised the issue of a human rights boycott following a visit to China in 2006.

He said: "There is continuing evidence of persecution, and even genocide, in China.

"The civilised world must seriously consider shunning China - and using the Beijing Olympics to send the clear message that such abuses of human rights are not acceptable.

"The debate must take place - whether the countries of the European Union are present at the Beijing Olympics or whether they stay away."

Mr McMillan-Scott added: "I believe that everyone has the right to practise a religion of their choice without persecution, imprisonment or torture.

"Christians, Buddhists - especially in Tibet - and Muslims are all persecuted.

"Human rights should be endorsed by the Olympic movement, and it is time for the European Union to enter the debate."

Mr McMillan-Scott is to deliver a letter to Mr Brown calling for him to initiate a debate among European leaders.