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There had been speculation that Vardanyan had moved there to avoid international sanctions imposed on Russia's billionaires with links to the Kremlin.

Now 77, he has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which he believes has links to his job.

Against a backdrop of international uncertainty, the visit is part of the UK's post-Brexit "reset" in reinforcing links with European allies.

During these interrogations they had been accused of links with Hamas, the men added.

"I had no links to the East Midlands and was so nervous about coming," he said.