As protests continue to spread across Tibet, welcome news emerged from the British parliament today. During Prime Minister's Question Time Gordon Brown announced that he will be meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his visit to the UK in May.
Despite risking diplomatic ties with China, the news has also been praised by the opposition, with Conservative leader David Cameron saying "Can I congratulate the Prime Minister on making the right deceion...".
The news comes following a concerted effort by British Tibet Support Groups calling for the PM to meet with the exiled Tibetan leader, who will be in the UK to perform public talks and teachings.
During the past year the Dalai Lama has met with many national leaders, including Chancellor Merkel of Germany, the then Australian Prime Minister John Howard and President George Bush, but he has not met a British Prime Minister since 1999.
As the human rights situation in Tibet worsens, with Tibetans being shot in the street whilst calling for the freedom of their country, it's great to see the UK government taking a stand in support of the Tibetan struggle.
Congratulations.
Thank you Mr. Brow.
J.Barbosa
Portugal