Foreign Secretary statement after British man released from unlawful detention in Yemen

The Foreign Secretary has issued a statement after a British man was released from unlawful detention by the Houthis in Yemen.

Luke Symons, a British man who was detained in Yemen by the Houthis has been released, after he was held without charge or trial since 2017.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:

“I am pleased that Luke Symons, who was unlawfully detained, without charge or trial since 2017 in Yemen, has been released. Luke was 25 when he was unlawfully detained by the Houthis. His son was only a few months old at the time.

“He was allegedly mistreated, in solitary confinement, and refused visits by his family.

“He has been flown to Muscat and soon he will be reunited with his family in the UK.

“We thank our Omani and Saudi partners for their support in securing his release. 

“I pay tribute to our excellent staff for their hard work in returning Luke home.”