§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will seek to persuade the organisers of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2004 to withdraw their invitation to a band from the Chinese army. [HL3098]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a leading element of the city's cultural festival. As an entertainment event, however, it seeks to make no political or moral statement.
The decision to invite a Chinese army band was taken by the Tattoo Board only after careful consideration of the human rights situation in China, on the basis that engagement through cultural activities would be beneficial. The participation of the band in the Tattoo in no way implies support by Her Majesty's Government for any past actions by the People's Liberation Army.
76WAWe remain deeply concerned about human rights abuses in China and monitor the situation closely. We regularly raise our concerns with the Chinese Government.