International
EX-SPY POISONING: Britain expels 23 Russian diplomats
The diplomatic clash between London and Moscow is about to worsen after 23 Russian diplomats were expelled by British Prime Minister Theresa May over the poisoning of a former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.
May had earlier pointed accusing fingers at Russia for being responsible for the attack of the pair with Britain now widening an investigation into the incident and courting friends and allies to increase pressure on Russia.
“This represents an unlawful use of force by the Russian state against the United Kingdom,” Mrs. May said in an address to the House of Commons. “It must therefore be met with a full and robust response.”
Read also: Russia responsible for poisoning of ex-spy, UK PM says
Her statement is coming after Moscow rejected a British deadline for Russia to explain itself over the nerve-agent attack on Skripal, and his 33-year-old daughter.
Reports say May agreed with Britain’s National Security Council to suspend all high-level contacts between her country and Russia and also agreed to expel the 23 diplomats who have been given one week to leave.
Skripal, 66, who was convicted of spying for Britain and his daughter were both found unconscious on a bench at a shopping centre in Salisbury in southern England before being taken to hospital.
Skripal was granted refuge in the UK in 2010 as part of a “spy swap”.
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