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Originally Posted by pdurrant

*Great Britain is correct in this context — in international sporting events the UK is always GB.

And, GB is the recognised format in the EU for British vehicle registration plates, but I believe the choice of the initials GB is a carry-over from the past - if the system was set up today, the initials used would be UK.

Note that registration plates in Northern Ireland are also GB. So, if Sinn Féin MPs drive vehicles registered in Northern Ireland, they bear GP plates. Imagine how popular that is. Similarly, Protestants in Northern Ireland who are so fond of the Union Jack and fiercely proud of being part of the UK, have to drive around in vehicles bearing GB plates, instead of UK ones.

I disagree that in international sporting events, the UK is always GB, once again I think it really depends on the context, who the team is representing, and whether, or not, you are thinking of the UK's component parts, also the journalist's location plays a part. Whereas some people in the UK sometimes still use GB in reference to some sporting events, where the team represents the whole of the UK, some people outside the the UK use UK, instead.

For example:

Pakistan vs England - in cricket, France vs Wales - in rugby, Rory McIlroy was awarded a place for finishing third at the Open Championship for Northern Ireland, while Scotland's Martin Laird qualified from his Tour Championship, and so on.

Perhaps this is what you had in mind, since you are in the UK, Heather Mills chosen in GB ski development squad, but then there's UK actuary wins World Full-bore Rifle-Shooting Championships in Canada and UK Wins Curling Gold!, presumably written by someone in the US.

However, I agree that the terminology of the British Isles is a complete minefield.