UK expels senior Russian diplomat over spying case

A former UK national security adviser has criticised Rishi Sunak for failing to suspend arms sales to Israel after the US paused a shipment of bombs overnight. Crossbench peer Peter Ricketts said it was unfortunate that Britain had not taken a stand, adding that it should have been “ahead of the US” on the decision.

- DAVID MADDOX

The home secretary told the Commons that the Russian defence attache had been linked to an attack on a commercial property in London owned by a Ukrainian. Five people have been arrested over the incident.

Mr Cleverly said that the attack was part of “a pattern of suspected Russian activity across Europe”. He went on: “Since the invasions, the actions and threats from Russia have only increased. These activities are designed by Russia to bring the war [in Ukraine] home across Europe.”

While investigations are ongoing and criminal court proceedings are under way, Mr Cleverly insisted that he had enough evidence to take action against Russia. This included removing diplomatic status from Russian buildings in the UK, including its trade and defence building in Highgate. He has also imposed restrictions on diplomatic visas for Russia, shortening the maximum length diplomats can be based in the UK.