The Home Secretary James Cleverly has announced in the House of Commons that he has expelled and “undeclared” Russian “military intelligence officer” from the UK.
The Russian Defence Attache has had his diplomatic protection status removed as it is believed he was using Russian properties within the UK for intelligence operations.
Cleverly told the Commons on Wednesday, “Today, in conjunction with the Foreign Secretary, I am announcing a package of measures to make clear to Russia that we will not tolerate such apparent escalations.
“I can tell the House that we will expel the Russian defence attache, who is an undeclared military intelligence officer.
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“We will remove diplomatic premises status from several Russian-owned properties in the UK, including Seacox Heath house, a Russian-owned property in Sussex, and the trade and defence section in Highgate, which we believe have been used for intelligence purposes.
“We are imposing new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas, including capping the length of time Russian diplomats can spend in the UK.”
Cleverly prompted Moscow’s response by saying, “In the coming days we should expect accusations of Russophobia, conspiracy theories and hysteria from the Russian government.
This is not new and the British people and the British Government will not fall for it, and will not be taken for fools by Putin’s bots, trolls and lackeys.
“Russia’s explanation was totally inadequate. Our response will be resolute and firm.
Our message to Russia is clear: stop this illegal war, withdraw your troops from Ukraine, cease this malign activity.
Russian state media RIA has reported that the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, the Kremlin will appropriately respond to the UK over the matter.
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said that the Labour Party “wholeheartedly” supports Cleverly’s move.
She told MPs, “We echo the Home Secretary’s strong condemnation of Russian interference and hostile activity here in the UK and throughout Europe.
“Repeatedly, we have seen a brazen disregard by Russia for the rule of law, for the UK, for our allies, for our domestic security.”
It was questioned by the Conservative former minister Rehman Chishti if the government will introduce legislation to seize Russian assets.
He added, “It’s absolutely crucial we do everything we can to cut off Putin’s finances and make sure that he pays for the reconstruction of Ukraine.”
The Home Secretary said, “We have absolutely made it clear, we will be incredibly imaginative, we will work hard to ensure that the regime and the people that have funded the brutal attack on Ukraine are also those that fund the rebuilding of Ukraine, and we work with our international partners to make that a reality.”
