Russian spy daughter's health rapidly improves

Yulia Skripal, hit in a nerve agent attack that has chilled relations between Russia and the West, came out of critical care today following a swift improvement in her health.

The 33-year-old daughter of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal is "improving rapidly and is no longer in a critical condition. Her condition is now stable", said the hospital treating the pair since the March 4 attack.

Sergei Skripal, 66, remains in a critical but stable condition, Salisbury District Hospital's board said.

The attack on the Skripals in the southwestern English city has been met with a major response that has seen more than 150 Russian diplomats expelled from countries around the world.

British authorities have blamed Moscow, which denies any involvement, and said a Soviet-designed nerve agent dubbed Novichok was used in the poisoning -- the first use of chemical weapons in Europe since World War II.

"I'm pleased to be able to report an improvement in the condition of Yulia Skripal," said Doctor Christine Blanshard, the Salisbury hospital's medical director.

"She has responded well to treatment but continues to receive expert clinical care 24 hours a day."
"Traces of the nerve agent have been found at some of the other scenes detectives have been working at over the past few weeks, but at lower concentrations to that found at the home address."
"When years of vexation and provocation have worn the collective patience to breaking point, and when across the world -- across three continents -- there are countries who are willing to say enough is enough."