Torch relay troubles have important lessons for London

Hugh explains how London must learn from the recent troubles that have plagued the torch relay.

Commenting on the IOC's meeting in Beijing today to discuss the Olympic torch relay, Shadow Sports Minister, Hugh Robertson, said:

"Once the IOC took the decision to award the 2008 Olympic Games to Beijing, it was always inevitable that they would become politicised - both by the Chinese government keen to announce its arrival as a world superpower, and its opponents keen to publicise their cause.

“However, it is already clear that there are important lessons for London, as the next host city. London 2012 must become the Games where The Olympics are returned to their core ideals. We should make a conscious effort to deliver a festival of world class sport, with a clear aim of increasing mass participation in its wake, rather than attempting to make grander political or economic statements. By doing so, we will return the Games to a state whereby they can be handed on to other less wealthy nations."