Statements of Support (2003-2013) / Bruce, Malcolm MP; Watson, Tom MP; Kirkbride, Julie MP

“The outcome of this trial will have a profound impact on political and economic relations between the UK and Russia as the ongoing persecution of Khodorkovsky has highlighted the Russian Government’s disregard for international investment treaties, human rights and rule of law.

It is the British Government’s responsibility to use its influence in these types of bi-lateral meetings to safeguard the UK, its citizens and businesses, by calling for the respect of rule of law as part of any negotiations.

We urge you to support President Medvedev in his pledge to end legal nihilism in Russia, and take the lead from President Barack Obama, the US Senate, the European Parliament, the Italian Parliament, the Spanish Congress of Deputies, and the German Parliament in condemning the ongoing persecution of Mikhail Khodorkovsky”

Malcolm Bruce MP (Liberal Democrat), Tom Watson MP (Labour), Julie Kirkbride MP (Conservative), An open letter to Rt Hon David Miliband MP, Secretary of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, UK Government, November 2, 2009