Corbyn was shown proof of spy attack

JEREMY Corbyn’s refusal to condemn Russia for the nerve agent attack in Salisbury came despite seeing the same intelligence that led to the mass expulsion of Russian diplomats worldwide, it emerged yesterday.

As Leader of the Opposition he was given a Privy Councillor’s briefing on the evidence linking the Kremlin to the attempted murder of double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury on March 4.

But the Labour leader is still holding out the possibility that the attack was carried out by a third party which got hold of the Novichok nerve agent that was developed by Russia.

Twenty-six countries have now shown solidarity with the UK by kicking out Russian diplomats in a co-ordinated display of disgust.

Backlash

Australia, Ireland and Moldova were among Western allies joining the growing Western backlash yesterday.

Nato also confirmed 10 Russian officials were being stripped of or denied accreditation for the alliance’s HQ in Brussels.

The latest action followed initial diplomatic expulsions by 18 countries, including the US, France and Germany, on Monday.

Around 120 Russian “diplomats” have now been sent home.

Earlier yesterday, Theresa May told a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street that the international response had been “unprecedented”.

The Prime Minister told ministers: “Our partners are not only taking these measures out of solidarity with the United Kingdom.

“It is because they recognise the threat that these Russian networks pose to the security of their own countries and the pattern of Russian aggression which has affected us all.”

And a Whitehall source added: “We have shared unprecedented levels of intelligence with partners.”