Unlikely the Russians did it

Sir, – Extra-judicial attacks by Western powers on foreign-based enemies are not unknown, and the US routinely uses drones to assassinate those it deems security threats.

Israel uses Mossad hitmen, French agents blew up the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior, and Britain’s SAS famously assassinated IRA bombers in Gibraltar.

So it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Russian agents attacked former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia – just somewhat unlikely.

Vladimir Putin was in power when Skripal was arrested, jailed and included in a spy swop – why would he put his relations with the West in jeopardy by killing him now?

Novichok was developed in the former USSR but the formula is well known and could have been produced by any reasonably competent terrorist lab.

In fact Porton Down, just a few miles down the road from Salisbury, would have developed its own versions of Novichok if for no other reason than to search for antidotes.

European leaders who feel they must support Mrs May use words such as “likely” and “plausible” as there’s no evidence that Russia was behind the attack.

She has finally asked the OPCW to investigate and hopefully it will turn up the proof which, in the mad rush to blame the West’s favourite villain, was sorely lacking. Rev Dr John Cameron. 10 Howard Place, St Andrews.