MPs call for Olympic logo rethink

The official London 2012 Olympic logo was unveiled on Monday

MPs have signed a series of Commons motions calling for a rethink of the 2012 London Olympics logo.

In one, the Conservative MP Philip Davies described the design as "childish and ridiculous" and "a pathetic attempt to appear trendy".

Labour MP Stephen Pound said the emblem should be replaced after complaints it had led to epileptic seizures.

But an online petition against the logo has closed after its creator said he realised it was "here to stay".

In two days 48,615 people added their names to the call for the controversial logo to be scrapped.

'Effective' protest

Petition creator Jonathan Ellis said: "I have decided to close the petition as it becomes clear that the logo is here to stay - there is little point in damaging the reputation of our Olympic Games, that was never the intention.

"The protest has been effectively made."

The protest has been effectively made Petition creator Jonathan Ellis Send us your comments

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said of the new design: "This is not just a marketing logo, but a symbol that will become familiar, instantly recognisable and associated with our Games in so many ways during the next five years."

On Wednesday, a London 2012 spokesman said ditching the design was "not an option", whatever the strength of public feeling.

Epilepsy Action said at least 22 people experienced seizures after watching an animated film promoting the 2012 Olympics shown at the logo's launch on Monday.

It added that one person vomited after seeing the flashing multi-coloured footage and another five complained of migraines.

'Catastrophic mistake'

The footage was removed from the official London 2012 website after complaints.

Mr Pound said the government should intervene, before "more seizures are triggered and the reputation of the London Olympics is further sullied".

Liberal Democrat MP Bob Russell, who also signed the motion, said the £400,000 spent on the logo's design had been a "spectacular waste of money".

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said the company that produced the film which triggered the seizures should not be paid "a penny" for its "catastrophic mistake".

But Michael Wolff, who co-founded designers Wolff Olins, which created the logo, although he is no longer with the company, said it had not been "done justice" and blamed Olympic organisers for not publicising it properly.