A MAJOR report into doping in British sport which slammed Sir Bradley Wiggins and Team Sky cycling team for crossing ‘ethical lines’ has been endorsed by the Mid Worcestershire MP.
The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee released its report into doping in British sport, which focused in particular on cycling’s Team Sky and UK Athletics.
The report follows work carried out by the committee which started in August 2015.
Nigel Huddleston was a member of the committee from June 2015 until the 2017 General Election and was heavily involved in the evidence sessions which formed the basis of this report.
The report’s headline finding was how Sir Bradley Wiggins and Team Sky crossed their own “ethical line” by using drugs which were technically allowed under anti-doping rules but had no medical purposes and looked to enhance sporting performance.
The report generally casts doubts on the ethics and practices within British cycling and raises questions about the behaviour of elite sports stars.
Reacting to the publishing of the report, Mr Huddleston said, “I was proud to play a role in the Committee’s investigation into doping in British sport and I am pleased they have published their full report this week – though the findings are alarming.
“Throughout evidence sessions, we heard many unsettling accounts that made it clear that moral standards in British cycling had fallen short of the example we expect our sports stars to set. Whilst activity did not contravene regulations as such, the moral shortcomings involved in the use of substances for non-medical reasons are not ones that we expect to see in British athletes.
“It is a great shame such questions even need to be asked of people whose feats have inspired so many people across the nation.
“This report is a good example of the role that Parliament can play in shining light on practices that would otherwise be hidden from the public.
“I am confident the vast majority of our elite athletes uphold the highest moral and professional standards, however, I hope that this report will remind the minority who do not that there are people who will ensure that they justify and explain the decisions they make.”
