May says Britain will 'consider our next steps' after Putin's expulsion of 23 UK diplomats from Moscow adding that 'we will never tolerate threat to life on British soil' as tit-for-tat spy poisoning row deepens
Speaking today at the Conservative Party Spring Forum, the Prime Minster said 'we will never tolerate a threat to the life of British citizens and others on British soil from the Russian government'
Theresa May says Britain will 'consider its next steps' after Russia vowed to expel 23 British diplomats.
Speaking today at the Conservative Party Spring Forum, the Prime Minster said 'we will never tolerate a threat to the life of British citizens and others on British soil from the Russian government'.
She added that 'Russian aggression is the very antithesis of the liberal and democratic values that define the United Kingdom'.
Her comments are likely to deepen diplomatic tensions between Britain and Russia which have intensified during the Salisbury spy poisoning stand-off.
Russia's decision to expel diplomats came after the Prime Minister expelled 23 Russian diplomats from the UK who she said were 'undeclared intelligence officers' earlier this week.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it is ordering the closure of the British Council in Russia, which promotes British culture.
It will also be ending an agreement to reopen the British consulate in St Petersburg.
If Britain makes any more 'unfriendly' moves the government could take further measures, the statement said.
Britain's Foreign Office has said the Government 'anticipated a response of this kind and the National Security Council will meet early next week to consider next steps'.
Addressing the audience at the Conservative Spring Forum, Theresa May said: 'Today our ambassador in Moscow was informed by the Russian government of the action they are taking in response.
'In light of their previous behaviour we anticipated a response of this kind and we will consider our next steps in the coming days alongside our allies and partners.
'But Russia's response doesn't change the facts of the matter - the attempted assassination of two people on British soil for which there is no alternative conclusion other than that the Russian state was culpable.
'It is Russia that is in flagrant breach of international law and Chemical Weapons Convention.
'I repeat today that we have no disagreement with the Russian people. Many Russians have made this country their home and those who abide our laws and make a contribution to our society will always be welcome.
'But we will never tolerate a threat to the life of British citizens and others on British soil from the Russian government.'
She continued: 'We can be reassured by the strong support we have received from our friends and allies around the world.
'From the United States, Nato and the European Union. From our UN and Commonwealth partners. I'm grateful too for the strong support I've received from the first minsters of Scotland and Wales.
'And in the House of Commons this week we saw a consensus as member after member across all parties stood up to condemn Russia's actions and to support the position of Her Majesty's Government.
'Because this act of Russian aggression is the very antithesis of the liberal and democratic values that define the United Kingdom - the rule of law, freedom of speech, the toleration of dissenting and minority views, a free press, fair and democratic elections, a thriving civil society.
'These are the foundation stones of human freedom. They don't come about by accident and they're certainly not the default setting for any society.
'They take years of patient work to build up. They face constant threats and they must always be defined. They are the values which unite us as a country.'
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Friday it was 'overwhelmingly likely' that Russian President Vladimir Putin directed the use of the nerve agent.
Speaking during a visit to the Battle of Britain Bunker museum in Uxbridge alongside the Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz (above), Mr Johnson said: 'Our quarrel is with Putin's Kremlin, and with his decision - and we think it overwhelmingly likely that it was his decision - to direct the use of a nerve agent on the streets of the UK, on the streets of Europe, for the first time since the Second World War.'
Echoing Mr Johnson's remarks, Mr Czaputowicz said: 'We are sure that it is the Russian state which is involved in this attempt. It is certain.'
British Foreign Office statement
'Our ambassador in Moscow has just been informed by the Russian government that they will expel 23 diplomats, close the British Consulate-General in St Petersburg and close the British Council in Moscow.
'This follows the action we have taken, alongside other measures, to dismantle the Russian espionage network operating in the UK as a consequence of the attempted assassination of two people here in Britain using a nerve agent.
'In light of Russia's previous behaviour, we anticipated a response of this kind and the National Security Council will meet early next week to consider next steps. Our priority today is looking after our staff in Russia and assisting those that will return to the UK.
'Russia's response doesn't change the facts of the matter - the attempted assassination of two people on British soil, for which there is no alternative conclusion other than that the Russian State was culpable. It is Russia that is in flagrant breach of international law and the Chemical Weapons Convention.
'We have no disagreement with the people of Russia and we continue to believe it is not in our national interest to break off all dialogue between our countries but the onus remains on the Russian state to account for their actions and to comply with their international obligations.'
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Russia will expel 23 British diplomats during diplomatic stand-off | Daily Mail Online
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