Do as I say not...

The British Government is keen that the world should do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do.

In the case of Zimbabwe, it wants a boycott against its dictatorial leader — in fact if any sporting organisations dare visit the country, they can expect to face the full wrath of government.

However, in the case of China, where elections are arguably even less free than they are in Zimbabwe (at least in Zimbabwe they let an opposition stand, even if they refuse to let them win), the British is vehemently opposed to any boycott.

Indeed, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, with one eye on the London 2012 Olympics, today received the Olympic torch as it was carried through London amidst considerable protest. China, of course, is an economic behemoth, Zimbabwe an economic basketcase.