Russia statement - as it happened: Theresa May to expel 23 spies from UK in response to Salisbury poisoning attack

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Theresa May orders biggest expulsion of Russian spies in 30 years in response to Salisbury poisoning

Theresa May has said that 23 Russian spies will be expelled from the UK as a response to the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, in Salisbury.

The move, which is the biggest expulsion in more than 30 years, has been described by the Russians as "unacceptable" and a "provocation".

The Prime Minister also confirmed that no UK dignitaries will attend the World Cup in Russia this year, and said a planned visit by Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov will be scrapped.

Ms May addressed MPs following Prime Minister’s Questions, after Russia failed to comply with the British government’s midnight demand for an explanation of the poisoning of the ex-spy.

She said Vladimir Putin had responded to her demand to explain the “reckless and despicable act” in Salisbury with “sarcasm, contempt and defiance”.

She concluded that that was "no alternative" other than the Russian state was responsible for the incident.

Jeremy Corbyn's spokesman responded to the news by saying Mr Corbyn does not yet believe he has seen enough evidence to point the finger of blame at the Russian state.

He also cast aspersions on the evidence that had been presented, raising Iraq as the reason to be suspicious over intelligence that is presented to the public.

The comments were met with several Labour MPs vocally disagreeing with Mr Corbyn tabling a motion to back Ms May's view that Russia was definitely culpable.

See below for all the updates

Key Points

• Theresa May announces UK will expel 23 Russian spies in response to Salisbury poisoning
• Russia says expulsion of diplomats is 'unacceptable, unjustified and shortsighted'
• Jeremy Corbyn questions why nerve agent samples have not been sent to Moscow
• Royal family and ministers will not attend World Cup in Russia this summer - PM
• Labour and Tory MPs criticise Corbyn over his response to PM's claims

[14 March 2018 13:22 · Ashley Cowburn]

The Russian Embassy has said the expulsion of 23 diplomats was "unacceptable, unjustified and shortsighted". Story here:

[14 March 2018 13:22 · Ashley Cowburn]

[14 March 2018 13:26 · Ashley Cowburn]

Here's a full statement from the Russian Embassy in the UK

On 14 of March Russian Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko was summoned to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office where he was informed that 23 diplomats were declared personae non gratae.

We consider this hostile action as totally unacceptable, unjustified and shortsighted.

All the responsibility for the deterioration of the Russia-UK relationship lies with the current political leadership of Britain.

[14 March 2018 13:30 · Ashley Cowburn]

Here's another statement on May's remarks in the Commons just now, this time from NATO.

The UK briefed the North Atlantic Council today on the use of a nerve agent in Salisbury on 4 March. The UK confirmed the use of a military-grade nerve agent of a type developed by Russia and briefed Allies that it was highly likely that Russia was responsible. The UK also confirmed that this was an indiscriminate and reckless attack against the United Kingdom, putting the lives of innocent civilians at risk. Allies expressed deep concern at the first offensive use of a nerve agent on Alliance territory since NATO’s foundation. Allies expressed solidarity with the UK, offered their support in the conduct of the ongoing investigation, and called on Russia to address the UK’s questions including providing full and complete disclosure of the Novichok programme to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Allies agreed that the attack was a clear breach of international norms and agreements. Since its entry into force in 1997, the Chemical Weapons Convention has become one of the pillars of the global non-proliferation regime. The Convention prohibits the development, transfer and use of chemical weapons. States Parties to the Convention take on a duty to uphold and enforce its fundamental tenets. States Parties commit not to develop, produce or otherwise acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons, nor to transfer, directly or indirectly, chemical weapons to anyone. States Parties also undertake not to engage in any military preparations to use chemical weapons, nor to commit to assist, encourage or induce anyone to engage in prohibited activity. NATO has repeatedly condemned the use of chemical weapons in Syria and called on those responsible to be held to account. NATO regards any use of chemical weapons as a threat to international peace and security.

[14 March 2018 13:41 · Ashley Cowburn]

Pat McFadden, a Labour MP, takes another swipe at Jeremy Corbyn over his response to May's remarks. He says there is a Labour tradition which recongises the importance of standing up for the UK. 

"Responding with strength and resolve when your country is under threat is an essential comment of political leadership. There is a Labour tradition that understands that." he said

[14 March 2018 13:44 · Ashley Cowburn]

[14 March 2018 13:54 · Ashley Cowburn]

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Russia's actions cannot be tolerated."

She said a "proportionate but firm response" was right and backed the Prime Minister's initial actions.

"Russia cannot unlawfully kill/attempt to kill on our streets with impunity," she said. 

[14 March 2018 13:56 · Ashley Cowburn]

[14 March 2018 14:00 · Ashley Cowburn]

This is from a briefing with Jeremy Corbyn's spokesperson just now.

[14 March 2018 14:22 · Ashley Cowburn]

Jeremy Corbyn's spokesman just finished a briefing that will likely be widely reported today and tomorrow, writes Political Editor Joe Watts.

He fleshed out the Labour leader's position, effectively saying Mr Corbyn does not yet believe he has seen enough evidence to point the finger of blame at the Russian state in the way that Theresa May did in the Commons just now.

Furthermore he cast aspersions on the evidence that is there, raising Iraq and WMDs as reasons to be suspicious over intelligence evidence presented to the public.

He also repeated a theory which has been promoted by the Russian state; that after the break-up of the Soviet Union, military hardware made its way into the hands of various different groups and that might explain the Salisbury incident.