Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster MP today tabled a parliamentary motion condemning the Government’s decision to grant a visa to a political supporter of Robert Mugabe.

An earlier recommendation to ban Peter Chingoka, the Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, from entering the UK was overturned following an intervention from sports minister, Richard Caborn.

Commenting, Don Foster said:

"Yet again, the Government has completely failed to stand by its foreign policy principles when it comes to Zimbabwe.

"Not only does this decision undermine the spirit of the EU travel ban but the Government appears to have ignored the advice provided by its own Embassy.

"Considering the way in which Mr Chingoka was appointed to his job, its is frankly ridiculous to argue that cricket has not become a political tool of this deplorable regime.

"It is time we sent a clear message to Robert Mugabe that his fundamental disregard for human rights and democracy will not be tolerated."