Foreign Office slams Russia for ‘spreading lies’ over spy poisoning and insists Kremlin IS to blame
THE Government has accused Russia of "spreading lies and disinformation" over the Salisbury nerve agent attack.
In a rare and scathing public rebuke, the Foreign Office said Moscow's "illegal use of force" had "endangered the British public and violated international law".
The Kremlin's propaganda machine has been spreading conspiracy theories over the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, earlier this month.
Russian state media has claimed the pair were left in a critical condition after a botched suicide attempt — or even as an act of revenge from by relatives.
But responding on Twitter tonight, the the Foreign Office gave a litany of points laying blame at the feet of hardman president Vladimir Putin.
A spokesman wrote following a briefing with Russian diplomats today: "We restated our conclusion that Russia was responsible for the attempted murder of Mr Skripal and his daughter based on 4 factors."
They added: "Firstly, identification of the chemical weapon by world-leading experts at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down.
"Secondly, Russia’s record of conducting state-sponsored assassinations around the world.
"Thirdly, information indicating that within the last decade, Russia has investigated ways of delivering nerve agents likely for assassination.
"Fourthly, our knowledge that Russia views defectors as legitimate targets for assassinations."
Samples of the Russian-developed novichok nerve agent are being monitored by international inspectors, the statement said.
"The Foreign Secretary has given Russia ample opportunity to explain, but this has been rejected.
"Only conclusion – this was illegal use of force which endangered the British public and violated international law."
It comes after Boris Johnson said he is "deeply concerned” about the safety of England fans heading to the World Cup in Russia this summer.
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He told MPs he wants assurances from Kremlin that the thousands of UK football supporters who will travel to the tournament will not be harmed.
Applications from Britain are down by three quarters from the last World Cup in Brazil.
The Foreign Office has already updated advice to fans saying they should be aware of anti-Brit sentiment.
The Skripals and a police officer who was first on the scene remain seriously ill in hospital.
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