Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Monday, 26 June 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 July 2017. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 July 2017 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

North Korea: Olympic Games

Question: Her Majesty's Government how they have responded to proposals that North Korea be invited to co-host skiing events at North Korea’s Masikryong ski resort during next year’s Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea; and what assessment they have made of reports that the ski resort was constructed with, and is serviced by, forced labour.

Answer: As my noble friend, the Rt Hon Baroness Anelay of St Johns, confirmed in her reply to written question HL5120, the British Government is deeply concerned by reports of forced child labour at the Masikryong ski resort. The UK has been clear that forced labour is a form of modern day slavery and must be brought to an end. Any decision on offering to co-host events at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics would be a matter for the government of the Republic of Korea to consider. However, an application to co-host Olympic events with another state would require the approval of the International Olympic Committee.

Secondary information