Beijing Olympics boycott

Gordon Brown has announced he will not attend the controversial opening ceremony of the Olympics.

Downing Street confirmed the decision last night after weeks of apparent indecision from the prime minister.

But Downing Street played down claims Mr Brown's non-appearance amounts to a "boycott" and said Mr Brown had never planned to attend the opening ceremony.

Opposition politicians have welcomed the prime minister's non-participation but criticised the manner of the announcement.

Critics of the prime minister have said it compounds his reputation as a ditherer, even though it appears a decision was taken some weeks ago but not effectively communicated.

Britain will still be represented at the opening ceremony in Beijing, by Olympics minister Tessa Jowell.

Mr Brown will attend the closing ceremony, when the Olympic Games passes over to Britain for London 2012.

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