Press release

Release of Vladimir Kara-Murza and Paul Whelan: Foreign Secretary’s statement

Foreign Secretary David Lammy responds to the release of British nationals from prison in Russia.

The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said: 

I strongly welcome the news that Russia has released a number of prisoners today, and am particularly relieved that British nationals Vladimir Kara-Murza and Paul Whelan will soon be reunited with their families. 

Mr Kara-Murza is a dedicated opponent of Putin’s regime. He should never have been in prison in the first place: the Russian authorities imprisoned him in life-threatening conditions because he courageously told the truth about the war in Ukraine. I pay tribute to his family’s courage in the face of such hardship and hope to speak to him soon. 

Paul Whelan and his family have also experienced an unimaginable ordeal. I look forward to speaking to him as he returns home to his family in the United States after over 5 years in detention.

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Updates to this page

Published 1 August 2024