Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with government of Russia about its treatment of Alexei Navalny; what was the outcome of those discussions; whether they have protested against the treatment of Mr Navalny; if not, whether they will now do so; and if not, why.

Alexei Navalny's politically motivated detention demonstrates Russia's increasing clampdown on freedom of expression and democratic rights. The UK will continue to make clear to Russia that it should release Mr Navalny immediately, as required by the decision of the European Court of Human Rights. HMG officials are in regular contact with Mr Navalny's team, and where possible, attend his court hearings. Following Mr Navalny's latest politically motivated sentence in August, the Foreign Secretary and Minister Docherty issued statements reiterating the call for his release. We will continue to seek opportunities for further statements in support of Mr Navalny.