The UK is to expel 23 Russian diplomats in retaliation for the nerve gas attack in Salisbury, Theresa May has told MPs.
Prime Minister Theresa May said the diplomats being expelled had been identified as "undeclared intelligence officers" and had been given a week to leave.
Mrs May said that the UK was suspending high-level contacts with Russia and that dignitaries, including members of the Royal family, will not attend this summer's World Cup.
Mrs May told MPs that it was "not in our national interest to break off all dialogue between the United Kingdom and the Russian Federation, but in the aftermath of this appalling act against our country this relationship cannot be the same".
She announced the suspension of "all planned high-level bilateral contacts between the United Kingdom and the Russian Federation".
This includes the revocation of an invitation for foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to visit the UK, said Mrs May.
And she said: "There will be no attendance by ministers or indeed members of the Royal Family at this summer's World Cup in Russia."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel