Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games: Team GB Boycott

Tuesday 2 March 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial action at the UN aims to hold China accountable for actions in Xinjiang.
  • The British Olympic Association and individual athletes decide on Olympic participation under IOC rules.
  • Government met to discuss support for British nationals arriving from Hong Kong.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Context

Allies such as the United States and Canada have condemned the situation in Xinjiang province of China. The question follows previous questioning about a potential Team GB boycott due to these issues.

Question

I am aware of what the Prime Minister has said. Nevertheless, allies like the US and Canada refer to the situation in Xinjiang as genocide. First, does the Minister agree that we should get international condemnation for these actions? Second, given previous statements, does he agree we should support athletes who individually boycott the Winter Olympics, demonstrating their opposition to this genocide?

Answer from Nigel Adams

We are leading international action at the UN to hold China accountable. An increasing number of countries support our statements on Xinjiang. This is a matter for the British Olympic Association and individual athletes, as it requires independence under IOC regulations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement or disagreement with supporting athlete boycotts

How: We Are Leading International Action At The Un To Hold China Accountable.

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Q2 Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK has previously stated that participation of Team GB at the Winter Olympics is a matter for the British Olympic Association.

Question

Does the Minister agree we should support athletes who individually decide to boycott the Winter Olympics as a protest against genocide in Xinjiang?

Answer from Nigel Adams

This is a matter for the British Olympic Association and individual athletes, under IOC regulations.

Not addressed: Agreement or disagreement with supporting athlete boycotts

How: This Is A Matter For The British Olympic Association And Individual Sportsmen.

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Q3 Alyn Smith
Immigration Housing Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question addresses concerns about proper preparation and adequate funding to support the integration of Hong Kong citizens in the UK.

Question

With documented malfeasance by China in regions like Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, my party supports a route for 5 million Hong Kong residents to citizenship. However, are preparations and funding for their integration properly set up? Can he assure us there will be a statement explaining the scheme's progress with the Home Office?

Answer from Nigel Adams

We need to ensure British nationals arriving from HK are treated well. My right hon. Friend met the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to discuss this issue. People must be given support when they arrive in the UK; further information will be announced shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete timeline or specific funding allocations

How: It Is Important That People Are Given The Right Support When They Arrive.

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