The UK public deserve the same forthrightness from its leader as the US public. On 7 August President George Bush spoke out against China’s human rights abuses, saying: "America stands in firm opposition to China's detention of political dissidents, human rights advocates and religious activists… We press for openness and justice not to impose our beliefs, but to allow the Chinese people to express theirs…We speak out… not to antagonise China's leaders, but because trusting its people with greater freedom is the only way for China to develop its full potential."

The protests in Tibet in March and April received widespread media coverage. The protests continue in Tibet, but hidden from the world since the Chinese authorities forcibly removed all foreigners. Human rights abuses continue unchecked with thousands in detention or missing.

Tibetans are living in constant fear, with curfews, checkpoints and arbitrary arrests part of their daily lives. Monasteries are under 24-hour police surveillance. Just three days ago two Tibetan women were shot at in Ngaba County by Chinese troops for no apparent reason. (http://www.freetibet.org/newsmedia/100808)

Only the courage and determination of Tibetans makes it possible for Free Tibet Campaign to get information about what is going on behind closed doors. Prohibition of foreign press reporting from Tibet is just one of China’s many broken promises about human rights improving if Beijing won the 2008 Olympics.

Prime Minister Brown prides himself on the friendships he has developed with Chinese leaders. Friends tell friends when their behaviour is unacceptable. If your friend beats his wife and you say nothing, you are condoning his abuse. Accepting China’s hospitality whilst remaining publicly silent about the human rights tragedy in Tibet amounts to tacit approval of Chinese repression. The Prime Minister cannot go to Beijing for the closing ceremony and say nothing.

Please sign our online petition to Prime Minister Gordon Brown urging him to make Britain proud by speaking up for Tibet.