Tibet protest arrest stokes UK-China tension

The Tibetan protest outside the birdnest staduim

Wednesday, 06, Aug 2008 05:13

Tensions between the UK and China are set to increase today following the announcement two Britons were among those arrested for displaying a "Free Tibet" banner in Beijing.

"The Chinese government should not be using heavy-handed and repressive tactics to deal with peaceful protests," said Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Edward Davey.

"It is essential these people are immediately provided with consular access and legal advice.

"Then they must be either charged or released as soon as possible," he added.

The protestors unfurled Tibetan flags and banners with the words "One World, One Dream: Free Tibet" and "Tibet will be free".

Three man and a women are reported to have gathered near the Bird's Nest stadium to unveil the banners, just two days before the opening Olympic ceremony is due to take place.

Tenzin Dorjee, deputy director of Students for a Free Tibet, said the demonstration was aimed to raise awareness about the treatment of Tibet in the lead-up to the Games.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman confirmed that two Britons had been arrested on Wednesday and named them as Iain Thom, 24, and Lucy Fairbrother, 23.

She added that contact had been made with the Chinese authorities.

The Olympic torch finally arrived in China's capital Beijing earlier today after its global relay.

The flame has travelled some 87,000 miles through six continents since it left Athens, Greece, in March.

Its route has been plagued by protestors using its passage to demonstrate against China's human rights record and its policies in Tibet.

Large-scale protests were witnessed in London, Paris and San Francisco earlier in the year.

The mood in Beijing was much more jubilant with supporters lining the streets to welcome the Olympic torch and basketball star Yao Ming carrying it through Tiananmen Square