STORY
Sir Keir Starmer has met Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the leader of the Belarusian opposition, in Downing Street. The Prime Minister underlined the UK’s support for a free and democratic Belarus and condemned Alexander Lukashenko’s continuing repression of political opponents.
Downing Street said the discussion covered the detention of political prisoners and the use of sanctions to keep pressure on the Belarusian regime. Tikhanovskaya also briefed Starmer on her recent visit to Kyiv, with the two discussing continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The meeting reinforces the Government’s effort to present Britain as a consistent supporter of democratic movements in Europe and of Ukraine. It also keeps Belarus linked to the wider argument about Russia’s war and the security of the continent.