In the Lords

My Lords, we are closely following events connected to the detention of former President Saakashvili.

The noble and right reverend Lord is right that the treatment of the former president has wider ramifications.

My Lords, it is right that Russia has been, and remains, a deeply destabilising influence far beyond Ukraine and Georgia.

The Government absolutely share that view, which is why, in our representations to the Government of Georgia, we make the point that allegat

My Lords, we have been following closely the arrest and conviction of Nika Gvaramia.

The noble and right reverend Lord’s earlier comments are absolutely noted in relation to the influence in particular of Bidzina Ivanishvili,

My Lords, we will absolutely continue to press for progress on reforms in line with Georgia’s EU and NATO ambitions.

I can absolutely assure noble Lords that that is exactly what the UK is focusing on in our discussions with the Government of Georgia.

My Lords, the UK continues to work with Georgian partners to combat malign Russian influence, consistent with our efforts and our experience

The noble Lord is of course right.