STEPHEN Fry has written to the Prime Minister demanding that the UK strip Russia of staging the Winter Olympics to make a stand against their anti-gay laws.

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Stephen Fry said an absolute ban on the Russian Winter Olympics was 'essential'

The Winter Olympics are set to take place in 2014, but Stephen Fry said they should be hosted in another country, comparing the persecution of gays in Russia to the treatment of Jewish people at the hands of Nazis.

Claiming that Russian police "ignore" beatings, murders and humiliations of gay people, Fry said: "An absolute ban on the Russian Winter Olympics of 2014 on Sochi is simply essential.

"Stage them elsewhere in Utah, Lillyhammer, anywhere you like.

"At all costs Putin cannot be seen to have the approval of the civilised world."

The letter, which is addressed to David Cameron, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Lord Coe, saw Fry praise the PM, despite his dislike for Tories.

Fry was scathing about Russian president Vladimir Putin

The actor said he had the 'utmost respect' for David Cameron

“An absolute ban on the Russian Winter Olympics of 2014 on Sochi is simply essential”
Stephen Fry

He added: "I especially appeal to you, Prime Minister, a man for whom I have the utmost respect.

"As the leader of a party I have for almost all of my life opposed and instinctively disliked, you showed a determined, passionate and clearly honest commitment to LGBT rights and helped push gay marriage through both houses of our parliament in the teeth of vehement opposition from so many of your own side.

"For that I will always admire you, whatever other differences may lie between us. In the end I believe you know when a thing is wrong or right.

"Please act on that instinct now."

The IOC recently said that it had received assurances from the Russian government that their laws will not affect athletes taking part in the Games.