Amid calls here that Russia should be stripped of hosting the 2018 football World Cup, PM David Cameron does not currently believe the event should be shifted. Number 10 (British PM’s Office) would not join those suggesting the football event should be cancelled, but the fact that this is being mooted by some ‘shows the importance of Russia changing course, before its international standing is damaged even further’, a spokesman said.
‘The prime minister does not believe we should reach immediately for boycotts, but it is also not surprising, given Russian behaviour, that people are starting to raise the issue,’ he said.The PM held back from calling for the football tournament to be taken away from Russia after Nick Clegg, the deputy PM, said it was ‘unthinkable’ that the contest could be held there if the country’s belligerence continues.
‘The prime minister does not believe we should reach immediately for boycotts, but it is also not surprising, given Russian behaviour, that people are starting to raise the issue,’ he said.The PM held back from calling for the football tournament to be taken away from Russia after Nick Clegg, the deputy PM, said it was ‘unthinkable’ that the contest could be held there if the country’s belligerence continues.