Andy McSmith

15 million users of HS1 high speed trains through Kent have John Prescott to thank for this service which generates annually £427m economic benefits. As Transport Minister in 1997 Prescott inherited failing project from the Tories & rescued it. See: mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/j….

Thanks so much to @WaterstonesLPL for a fun and successful book signing session at #LabourConferece24 - nice to meet fellow authors @toryboypierce and @andymcsmith to swap notes.

Politico this morning reminding those with sore heads of the fun last night at Woburn Partners’ party. Big thanks to City Minister @TulipSiddiq for speaking, and to UK Finance for sponsoring. Now onto Business Day…Let us know if you’d like to catch up at #LabourConference24

BREAKING: Turkish government confirms that Vladimir Kara-Murza is on the prisoner swap plane and to be freed. Momentous news!!! washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/…

There are few words to express the relief that @vkaramurza is to be released as part of this prisoner swap. I desperately hope he’s in good health. My heart is overwhelmed with relief for the families of all those so cruelly held for so long away from their families and especially for @ekaramurza who has fought for her husband with @Billbrowder every single day to bring Vladimir home.

This is terribly sad news. Great journalist. Lovely man. independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-n…

Reposting this as there have been some interesting developments… the grave is still unmarked but two years i am determined to help get a release for a documentary about Kuznetsov’s grave.

A huge relief. After being abruptly taken to a prison hospital and disappearing in Russia for 8 days, Vladimir Kara-Murza’s lawyers were finally granted access today and he’s alive. I’m sure the international pressure played a key role.

Jailed Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza has been moved to a prison hospital. His wife @ekaramurza told the BBC his lawyers have been prevented from seeing him and there are fears for his health.

Imprisoned Kremlin critic Kara-Murza transferred to a prison hospital and denied the right to see his lawyers | AP News apnews.com/article/russia…

Why this is the strangest of the 11 general elections I have covered independent.co.uk/voices/electio…

Completely blown away to be Knighted this evening on the King's birthday's honours list. I’ve spent the last 15 years fighting to make sure that Sergei Magnitsky’s death in Russian custody would never happen again. Being knighted by King Charles is the ultimate recognition that my work has left a lasting legacy for Sergei Magnitsky and helped other victims around the world. It is the honour of a lifetime.

So proud of my father @Billbrowder on being knighted today!

Vladimir Kara-Murza @vkaramurza was denied calls to his wife on their 20th anniversary and to his daughter on her birthday. Despite his appeal, a prison official stated calls are only allowed for death or natural disasters. Birthdays and anniversaries aren't "exceptional" enough

Delighted to speak with Dame Margaret Beckett & @JohnRentoul in @UKParliament on publication @BitebackPub of new @Kevin_Hickson edited book about @UKLabour former leader John Smith MP. Pleased to have contributed chapter on ‘myth of one more heave’ & his powerful legacy for UK.

If the SNP is going to reinstate the leader they sacked 20 years ago because he was boring, isn't it time the Conservatives brought back Iain Duncan Smith?

Time is ticking to save Vladimir Kara-Murza | The Spectator spectator.co.uk/article/time-i…

BREAKING: Senator Roger Wicker and 80 more senators and representatives are calling on Blinken to give Vladimir Kara-Murza the status of “wrongfully detained” under the Levenson Act so the US uses all of it’s resources to free him. It make no sense that the US is dragging it feet

Two years ago Vladimir Kara-Murza was arrested on arbitrary & political charges by Russian authorities. He must be released immediately. Very moving to listen to powerful words by his wife Evgenia Kara-Murza, his mother Elena Gordon & his friends incl Bill Browder. #FreeKaraMurza