HL Deb 27 February 2003 vol 645 c62WA
Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will study any bloodshed, boycott or blackmail in past Olympic Games in assessing the desirability of bringing the event to London.[HL1549]

The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Baroness Blackstone)

The Government assessment on whether they should bid to host the Olympic Games has included an analysis of the impact of the Games in other Olympic cities. This has included the Games held in Munich 1972 and Atlanta 1996, where there was bloodshed, and Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984, which were subject to boycotts. The Government have also assessed the new criteria issued by the International Olympic Committee on the current rules of conduct applicable to cities wishing to organise the Olympic Games. The Government recognise that we face dangers in staging major events and that security consideration are of great importance.