Arguments about the Bahraini Grand Prix have been dominating the news outlets for some time, with coverage intensifying as we draw closer to the actual event. Whilst not condoning the dreadful human rights violations that are rife in the country, it seems like there are numerous reasons for calling off any Grand Prix event, throughout the world, and it’s interesting that this has become so prominent. China doesn’t exactly have the most shining reputation in terms of human rights, but the Grand Prix continues there with no complaints. If you take this to it’s logical extreme, does it seem appropriate to hold the British Grand Prix at a time when we’re facing the highest fuel prices in our history? Doesn’t that seem a little bit wasteful? Doesn’t it seem unfair, in the same way as parading around and ignoring the awful plight of the average Bahraini citizen, that Lewis Hamilton drives around a track several times, burning fuel that the average Brit can scarcely afford? Should the Koreans be hosting the extravagant spectacle, when they have citizens who can’t afford to feed themselves.

The point is, if one extrapolates to the logical extreme, then there should be no sporting events at all, ever. This year, London hosts the 2012 olympics. An entire nation is being expected to ignore the economic doom and gloom, the cascading job market and a tax on hot savoury snacks, and yet wave a flag for themselves whilst on show to the rest of the world. The Bahraini’s have this opportunity now with the world media upon them. The fact is, they can’t lose. Sad as it is, if some anti-government activists are killed during the protests, then their cause would be laid flat to the world and the UK would no doubt find itself intervening, as it has in several other countries. If nothing happens at all, then the protestors still have the world media scrutinising things and they don’t often get the chance to make their voices heard by so many.

The answer as to whether such things should be called off in light of domestic problems of the hosting countries is not a simple one. Neither is it fair or justified for people who participate in these events to be held at the forefront of what are essentially political matters. The decision for these lies with the politicians and David Cameron is not making nearly enough of a stand. Without speaking out candidly against such things, Cameron is accepting the human rights abuses in the country and shifting the responsibility to Bernie Ecclestone is not fooling anyone. Frankly, Cameron should put up or shut up, either outwardly back the cancellation of the events in solidarity, or say absolutely nothing. If Cameron can’t make a stand, then Lewis Hamilton cannot be expected to either.

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