John Baron MP welcomes Government action on Belarus

MP: Belarus’ actions endangered passenger safety

Following the forced landing of the Ryanair flight on Sunday, the British Government has issued a notice to British airlines that they should avoid flying over Belarusian airspace. The operating permit of the Belarusian state airline, Belavia, has also been suspended – so no Belavia aircraft can land in the UK. The Government also condemns the Belarusian authorities’ attempts to silence independent journalism and free speech, and calls for the immediate release of Roman Protasevich and other political prisoners.

John said,

“I am pleased the Government is taking these strong steps, which put Britain at the forefront of the international response towards the unacceptable actions of the Belarusian authorities. These actions have endangered air passenger safety, and their assaults on freedom of expression and independent journalism are similarly reprehensible. I hope Roman Protasevich and other political prisoners will be released shortly and unharmed.”