Elderly British couple held by the Taliban FINALLY released

The couple was freed through Qatari mediation, which has been working with the Government and the pair's family to secure their release.

The pair's family said the release "is a moment of immense joy", adding they are "forever grateful to the Qataris for standing with us during this difficult time".

An official said: "Throughout their eight months in detention - during which they were largely held separately - the Qatari embassy in Kabul provided them with critical support, including access to their doctor, delivery of medication, and regular communication with their family."

A Foreign Office spokesman said it is "relieved to hear that Peter and Barbie Reynolds are no longer detained in Afghanistan" and thanked Qatar for the "role they played".

Sir Keir Starmer said: "I welcome the release of Peter and Barbara Reynolds from detention in Afghanistan, and I know this long-awaited news will come as a huge relief to them and their family. I want to pay tribute to the vital role played by Qatar, including the Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, in securing their freedom."

A Qatari official said the couple will fly to Qatar for medical checks before returning to the UK.

An American woman, who was detained with the couple, warned they were "literally dying" in prison, after she was released six days prior.

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The Taliban has not disclosed the reason for their detention, despite the pair appearing in front of court four times.

Afghanistan "does not view issues related to citizens from a political or transactional perspective," Qahar Balkhi, Afghanistan's foreign ministry spokesman, said on social media platform X.

Britain's special envoy to Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, thanked Qatar, saying the couple were very happy.

Mr Lindsay stated the couple were happy with their state but could not explain what grounds they were held on.

He told Sky News: "It's obviously up to the authorities here to determine why they were detained, but we are very grateful. Today is a very great humanitarian day, as they will be reunited with their family."

Peter and Barbie married in Kabul in 1970 and spent the past 18 years running a charitable training programme.

It had been approved by local Taliban officials when they reclaimed power in 2021.

Family said the couple had a lifelong love of Afghanistan, emphasised by their decision to stay when the authoritarian regime took control, while many other Westerners left.

Their release follows months of public lobbying by their families, who criticised the conditions of their detention.

The couple's daughter, Sarah Entwistle, previously stated her father had suffered a mini-stroke.

The United Nations warned that without medical care, the couple were at risk of irreparable harm.

Taliban officials said they received adequate medical care while in prison and their human rights were respected.

Britain closed its embassy in Kabul after the Taliban came to power, making it incredibly difficult for Britons in the country to seek support.