Team GB told not to wear kit on way to Sochi amid terror fears

 
Team GB bags during the Team GB kitting session at the adidas Centre, Stockport. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday January 23, 2014. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire
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Britain's 56 Olympians travelling to the Winter Games in Russia were today warned not to wear “overtly” branded Team GB kit amid terror attack fears.

The British Olympic Association issued the advice as Russian security forces set up a “ring of steel” around Sochi, where the Games will be held next month. There are concerns about the risk of attacks by North Caucasus militant groups engaged in a civil war with Russia.

The BOA said: “We’ve had nothing to suggest a rise in the threat level but we are taking a common sense approach in recommending that team members wear less overtly branded Team GB kit during their journey to Sochi.

“This advice is similar to the guidance that is being offered to other delegations by their respective national Olympic committees.”

The Foreign Office is also advising Britons going to watch the Games, which run from February 7 to 23, to be alert to the terror threat. It is reviewing whether to update its advice.

“Large-scale public events present an attractive target for terrorists,” it said. “You should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places.”

A threat assessment by Whitehall stresses that the Imarat Kavkaz group is seen as the biggest danger, as its leader has urged his supporters to try to disrupt the Winter Games.

There are also official fears that “black widows”, whose insurgent husbands have been killed, could be plotting suicide bombings.

Meanwhile, Culture Secretary Maria Miller stressed that Britain will challenge anti-gay “prejudices” rather than stay away from the Games.

Gay rights campaigners have urged the Government to boycott the Sochi Games in protest at Russia’s introduction of new laws banning homosexual “propaganda”.

Ms Miller, who is also equalities minister, and sports minister Helen Grant will attend the event.

In a letter to gay and lesbian groups, Ms Miller wrote: “As you will be aware, there are some well-documented concerns about recent changes in Russian law which affect the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

“However, we believe that keeping the channels of conversation open is the best way to effect change and that it is more fruitful to engage and challenge prejudices than stay away from the Games.”

Downing Street announced recently that David Cameron will not attend next month’s Winter Olympics.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said his schedule meant it was not possible and added that British leaders did not usually go to the event.

Russia passed a law last year banning what it called the spread of homosexual propaganda among minors, angering human rights activists worldwide.

Senior government figures from Germany, France and the United States have already said they will not go to Sochi, without linking the decision to the issue of gay rights.

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