Russia statement - as it happened: Theresa May to expel 23 spies from UK in response to Salisbury poisoning attack
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Your support makes all the difference.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.
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Theresa May met with the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon ahead of the Joint Ministerial Committee between the UK government and devolved administrations.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “This afternoon, the Prime Minister met with the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon ahead of the latest Joint Ministerial Committee between the UK government and devolved administrations.
“The Prime Minister updated the First Minister on the Brexit negotiations and made clear her commitment to a deal that works for the whole of the UK and protects the security and prosperity of all our communities.
“On devolution, they discussed the tabled amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill that would ensure the vast majority of devolved powers will transfer directly to Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and committed to continuing to work together to find an agreement.
“The Prime Minister also provided an update on the nerve agent attack in Salisbury and thanked the First Minister for her strong support of the actions the UK Government is taking against Russia in response.”
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