Statements of Support (2003-2013) / Hands, Greg MP

“What we are calling for today is for the immediate release of Mikhail Khodorkovsky from prison in Russia. We are very very concerned, and I think the effect that the trial and the detention is having on Russia’s international image I think is very unhelpful.

What we would like to see if for him to be released or at least to be given a fair trial. He’s been in detention now close to six years; there has been a lot of attention given to this case in the UK. Various Member of Parliament have raised it here in the House of Commons. I raised it most recently in October. We have had a number of debates on it. And I think it will be a key part to improving UK-Russia relations to have Khodorkovsky released as soon as possible.

Part of the effect that people would have seen on our relations has been the number of people getting visas to come to the UK has dived unfortunately in the last two or three years. So there are very very practical reasons why we need to improve UK-Russia relations.

The release of Khodorkovsky would I think be a key part of making sure that we get relations back on to a proper footing. Because what the trial is saying about Russia is that Russia doesn’t believe in the rule of law and doesn’t believe in properly conducting trials of this nature and that needs to change”

Greg Hands MP, UK Shadow Minister for the Treasury and Member of the All-Party Russia Group, Video statement made December 14, 2009