Sergei Skripal is “responding well to treatment, improving rapidly and is no longer in a critical condition”, doctors at Salisbury district hospital have said. Dr Christine Blanshard, medical director at the hospital, said: “Following intense media coverage yesterday, I would like to take the opportunity to update you on the condition of the two remaining patients being treated at Salisbury district hospital.

“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.” She added: “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.” The news comes a day after Yulia Skripal, who was poisoned along with her former spy father in a nerve agent attack that has caused international tensions after the UK said that it held the Russian government was responsible, released a statement through the Metropolitan police in which she said she was getting stronger by the day. After the news of Mr Skripal’s improved condition was reported on Twitter, the Russian Embassy to the UK tweeted: “Good news!”(theguardian)…[+]