Brown will not attend Olympic opening ceremony

Gordon Brown has announced he will not be attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in the summer.

The event takes place in August and Mr Brown had been expected to attend, after failing to make clear his intentions.

As concern over China's human rights record and role in Tibet have been growing in recent weeks pressure has been put on world leaders to boycott the event.

Mr Brown, however, denies this is the reason behind is decision not to attend.

"Our reasons for going are exactly the same as they have always been. We still think it is the right thing to do," said a government spokeswoman.

"There is no change in our position."

The government argues it is unnecessary for the prime minister to fly to China twice for the games. Mr Brown has also argued the Dali Lama has not called for a boycott.

However, Mr Brown has previously stated "I will definitely be there" during a press conference with French president Nikolas Sarkozy – casting doubt over the reasons behind today's announcement.

It was confirmed the former prime minister will attend the closing ceremony, when the Olympic Torch will be handed to London, which will host the games in 2012.

Britain will be represented by Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell at the opening ceremony.