A family spokesperson said that British soldiers being held in Afghanistan by the Taliban have maintained contact with their families.

Kevin Cornwell, a charity medic and 53-year-old UK national, who runs a Kabul hotel, are suspected to have been held by secret police in January.

After he returned to Britain this year, a third Briton, Miles Routledge (or “danger tourist”) is being held by the Taliban.

Scott Richards, a representative of the Presidium Network non profit organisation, said to Sky News that he was pleased to announce contact between detainees and their families.

“They were able spend approximately 10 minutes this morning in an informal conversation, which was very important. This is a historic move, and it’s important for any negotiations with the Taliban. We have never seen this privilege before.

“They are certainly taking this as an act of goodwill and an incredibly important step.”

Officers from the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence arrested Mr Cornwell at his hotel on 11 January.

Although he is being accused of keeping an illegal firearm in his bedroom, his family claims he was granted a license for the firearm.

Richards stated that this was due to a “misunderstanding”, and that the licence could have been separated from the firearm during search.

Suella Braverman, Home Secretary, stated that the UK government is “in negotiation” with the three Britons.

On Sunday, she told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge: “If there’s a risk to people’s safety, and if they are British citizens abroad, then the UK government will do everything necessary to ensure they’re safe.

“The government is currently in negotiations and working hard for people’s safety.”

A ‘danger tourist’ traveled to Afghanistan

Routledge gained fame and controversy by posting online about dangerous places he visited.

He was on a vacation in Afghanistan in August 2021 when he became entangled in chaos as the Taliban took over the country.

After being among the ones to leave during Kabul’s airlift, Mr Routledge thanked Britain’s Army.

Since then, he appears to have returned to the United States.

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