Let us see Commons ‘spy’, Russia tells Britain

Russian diplomats today demanded access to Commons "spy" Katia Zatuliveter, and told Britain to explain why she is being held.

Her father, businessman Andrei, accused the Government of treating his daughter in an "uncivilised and inhumane way".

Ms Zatuliveter, 25, an assistant for Lib-Dem MP Mike Hancock, was seized last Thursday by border authorities, reportedly on the orders of MI5, amid claims that she was a "sleeper" agent. It has been alleged she was researching Britain's nuclear capabilities.

A spokesman for the Russian Em-bassy said: "We have already sent an inquiry to the Foreign Office and Home Office so that they have to officially give us information about what is happening."

Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov made clear his diplomats would offer consular support.

Her father blamed Home Secretary Theresa May for "dipping my daughter in dirt". From his home in southern Russia, he said: "Where is British democracy if a person accused of spying gets a mightiest kick from every possible side and is not given a chance to speak for herself? Why is everything happening in such an uncivilised, inhumane way?"

In messages from her detention centre, Ms Zatuliveter said she was appealing against deportation.