No10 insists it stands ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with US over journalist jailed in Russia on bogus spy charges

DOWNING Street last night insisted Britain stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the United States over a journalist held on bogus spying charges by Russia.

No10 vowed to do everything possible to defend press freedom and help the US’s Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, 31.

Russia’s FSB security service arrested Evan, left, last week.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said it showed “complete disregard for media freedom”.

He added: “A free press is a fundamental pillar of a healthy democracy.

“The UK stands with the US in defence of these principles and their diplomatic efforts to secure the journalist’s release.”

Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the Sun: "The detention of Evan Gershkovich is a disgraceful attack on media freedom and a threat to every journalist seeking to report the truth about autocratic regimes.

"The UK government and James Cleverly must do all they can to help the US government secure his immediate release - including raising the case with other foreign ministers at the NATO meeting this week."

And senior Labour MP Chris Bryant added: "Foreign Office ministers should be summoning the ambassador and being on the phone day in, day out to make it clear that these made-up claims are a tissue of lies. 

"Free and fair reporting is an essential part of a free and fair society."

Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Tory MP Alicia Kearns called his arrest a "slap in the face for the international rules-based order".

She hit out: "This is an escalation by Putin, and the US should respond with strength.

"This should trigger a review of the security of British nationals in Russia."

Russia critic, MP Bob Seely said the Foreign office must "stand with the Americans against Russia’s debased and appalling actions."

As the US demanded his release, top Tory MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the UK must lead Nato and the EU in “whatever action is necessary” or “Russia will pick everyone off one by one”.

Evan faces 20 years behind bars if found guilty.