Allies expel Russian diplomats

Russia is facing the expulsion of dozens of diplomats from America and Europe as key allies rallied behind Britain over the Salisbury nerve agent attack.

The US led the way with the announcement that 60 suspected Russian spies have been given seven days to leave the country.

In Brussels, European Council president Donald Tusk said 14 member states were expelling diplomats in a coordinated show of support for the UK.

Among the EU member states taking action were Germany and Poland – which each said they were expelling four diplomats. Lithuania and the Czech Republic have each ordered three diplomats to leave, while Denmark is expelling two.

The expulsions were welcomed by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who said on Twitter: “Today’s extraordinary international response by our allies stands in history as the largest collective expulsion of Russian intelligence officers ever & will help defend our shared security. Russia cannot break international rules with impunity.”

The moves come after EU leaders last week backed Theresa May’s assertion that there was “no plausible alternative explanation” other than Russia was responsible for the attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal.

In addition to the expulsions, the White House said that the US was also closing the Russian consulate in Seattle.