UK To 'effectively' Stage Diplomatic Snub Of Olympics

The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the UK will ‘effectively’ stage a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing – while stressing that he doesn’t think such boycotts are “sensible”.

Johnson was answering questions in parliament over whether Britain would be joining the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the games.

“There will be effectively a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, no ministers are expected to attend…and no officials.

“What I can tell the house is that I do not think that sporting boycotts are sensible and that remains the policy of the government.”

The White House said on Monday that US officials would stay away from the Beijing games over alleged human rights violations.

Beijing has slammed the move, with the Foreign Ministry saying it would only lead to a loss of America's “moral authority and credibility”.

China on Wednesday also accused Australia of "political posturing and selfish games" after Canberra announced a diplomatic boycott of the games.