Sergei Skripal no longer critical, say doctors

Sergei Skripal, the Russian ex-spy poisoned by a nerve agent in Salisbury last month, is no longer in critical condition, doctors have said.

Salisbury District Hospital said 66-year-old Skripal was responding well to treatment and “improving rapidly”. The news comes just a day after police released a statement from his 33-year-old daughter Yulia, who has been awake for more than a week and whose strength is “growing daily”.

The pair have been in hospital for more than a month after being found unconscious on a bench in Salisbury.

The UK government claims Russia is behind the attack, which has been identified as caused by the nerve agent called Novichok, but Moscow has denied all involvement, calling the accusations “horrific and unsubstantiated”.

Dr Christine Blanshard, medical director at Salisbury District Hospital said: “Last Thursday, I informed you that Yulia Skripal’s condition had improved to stable.

“As Yulia herself says, her strength is growing daily and she can look forward to the day when she is well enough to leave the hospital.

“Any speculation on when that date will be is just that – speculation.

“In the meantime, Yulia has asked for privacy while she continues to get better – something I’d like to urge the media to respect.

“I also want to update you on the condition of her father, Sergei Skripal. He is responding well to treatment, improving rapidly and is no longer in a critical condition.”

Following the update on Mr Skripal’s condition, the Russian Embassy tweeted: “Good news!”

Yesterday Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzia, told the UN Security Council that Britain was “playing with fire” and had invented a “fake story”.

This afternoon a foreign office spokesperson said:“We are very pleased that both Mr Skripal and his daughter Yulia are improving. This is a tribute to the hardworking and talented NHS staff in Salisbury who have provided outstanding care. The NHS will continue to provide ongoing care for the Skripals, both of whom are likely to have ongoing medical needs.

“Let us be clear, this was attempted murder using an illegal chemical weapon that we know Russia possesses.”