Douglas Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, commenting on reports that British journalists are being prevented from filming in Sri Lanka, said:

“The images now emerging from Sri Lanka of British journalists being prevented from filming are a sign of the lengths Sri Lanka’s authorities are willing to go in order to shield their President from the world’s scrutiny.

"David Cameron defends his decision to visit Sri Lanka - despite other senior Commonwealth leaders pulling out - by suggesting he will shine a light on Sri Lanka’s worsening human rights situation.

"But the Prime Minister’s latest claim that his visit has less significance because it takes place within a wider summit smacks of desperation.

"So at the summit this week, unless we see real and meaningful change on human rights in Sri Lanka, David Cameron should work with other Commonwealth leaders on securing an alternative candidate for chairperson-in-office.”