'Danger tourist' held by Taliban went to Afghanistan to 'find himself', says mum
The distraught mum of a British 'danger tourist' who is being held by the Taliban says her son went to Afghanistan to "find himself".
Miles Routledge, 23, was reportedly detained by the Taliban alongside medic Kevin Cornwell and an unidentified hotel manager.
Routledge is a thrill-seeking, self-styled "danger tourist" who has travelled the world visiting its most risky countries.
He received widespread attention and criticism on social media in August 2021 having travelled to Afghanistan despite the Taliban's gains in the nation.
The group is currently being held for questioning as concerned relatives campaign for their release.
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Home Secretary Suella Braverman said on Sunday morning that the government is "in negotiations" with the Taliban.
Speaking on the Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme on Sky News, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “Anyone travelling to dangerous parts of the world should take the utmost caution.
Miles was branded an 'idiot' for being in Afghanistan when it was taken back by the Taliban (twitter.com/real_lord_miles)“If they are going to do that they should always act on the advice of the Foreign Office travel advice.
“If there are risks to people’s safety, if they’re a British citizen abroad, then the UK Government is going to do whatever it takes to ensure that they’re safe.
“And the Government is in negotiations and working hard to ensure people’s safety is upheld.”
Mrs Routledge told the Daily Mail: "It is so worrying. I just want help to find out what has happened to him and make sure he is OK.
"If he is being treated well that is good to hear, as long as he is being well treated. If I can get a message to those who are holding him, I just want to ask them to tell him he has my love and support."
Mrs Routledge added that she had not been contacted by anyone from the Foreign Office and is "desperate" to know Miles is safe.
"I don't know who is holding him or where he is," she added.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: "We are working hard to secure consular contact with British nationals detained in Afghanistan and we are supporting families."
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The devastated mother said that Miles' love of travelling saw him return to Afghanistan after he was branded an "idiot" for requiring evacuation when the country fell back into the hands of the Taliban.
"He keeps travelling because he loves it, he's only young and he's just finding himself after finishing university. I just want him to keep safe," she said.
The Taliban claim that the group of three men were taking part in "suspicious activities".
Some of the captives have spoken with their families on the phone.
Scott Richards, a negotiator from the Presidium Network group, who are assisting the relatives of Mr Cornwell and the hotel manager, told the Mail: "We can confirm that the men have spoken with family, that the conversation was unscripted, and that they are being treated fairly.
"The families were able to speak to them for around two minutes and they could speak freely. It was clearly an important and emotional call and represents tremendous progress in the situation. The details of those calls are private but we understand a great relief to the families.
"The relief Kevin's family expressed after hearing his voice for the first time in three months, not knowing if he was well, brought a sense of peace and gave them hope that this situation will be resolved soon.'"
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