Russian spy Sergei Skripal found 'poisoned' in Salisbury: Boris Johnson brands Russia 'a malign and disruptive force'

Ella Wills6 March 2018
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Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson branded Russia "a malign and disruptive force" as he responded to an urgent question on the suspected poisoning of a Russian double agent.

Mr Johnson said the UK will "respond appropriately and robustly" should evidence emerge that implies state involvement the incident in Salisbury, which left former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, critically ill.

He went on to threaten that Britain may pull out of the football World Cup in Russia if Moscow was shown to be behind the mysterious illness that struck down Mr Skripal.

The Foreign Secretary said he was not pointing fingers at this stage, but added: "I say to governments around the world that no attempt to take innocent life on UK soil will go unsanctioned or unpunished."

He said he wanted to address the speculation about the "disturbing incident" in Salisbury.

Mr Johnson told MPs: "Police, together with partner agencies, are now investigating. Honourable members will note the echoes of the death of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006.

Double agent: Sergei Skripal was found unconscious in Salisbury, where he has been living a quiet retirement

"And while it'd be wrong to prejudge the investigation, I can reassure the House that should evidence emerge that implies state responsibility, then Her Majesty's Government will respond appropriately and robustly."

Sergei Skripal's daughter Yulia

The Foreign Secretary said Russia was "a malign and disruptive force" and said the UK was "in the lead across the world" in trying to counteract this activity.

He added that it would be difficult to see how Britain could attend the World Cup in Russia in June and July, should the state be proven to be behind Mr Skripal's illness.

England is the only British national team to have qualified for the tournament, which is held every four years.

Police next to a forensics tent at the scene in Salisbury
REUTERS

Mr Johnson added to the Commons: "It is too early to speculate as to the precise nature of the crime or attempted crime that has taken place in Salisbury.

"But I know members will have their suspicions. And what I will say to the House is that if those suspicions prove to be well-founded then this Government will take whatever measures we deem necessary to protect the lives of the people in this country, our values and our freedoms.

"Though I am not now pointing fingers, I say to governments around the world that no attempt to take innocent life on UK soil will go either unsanctioned or unpunished."

Mr Johnson said it may be that the UK will "continue to pay a price" for standing up to Russia, adding he hopes MPs from all parties will support the Government's approach.

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