Former defence minister warns of new ‘cool war’ with the Russians

BRITAIN could be entering “a period of cool war” with Russia after the nerve agent attack, a Tory former defence minister has said.

Mark Francois urged Theresa May “to look again at our ability to deter Russia” as he made a fresh plea for defence spending.

It came as the Prime Minister confirmed the Government would co-operate with the Robert Mueller inquiry in the US into alleged Russian interference in the presidential election. Mrs May also said ministers had been briefed by Bill Browder, the British businessman who has fought a long battle with Moscow.

Mr Francois, having commended Mrs May for her statement to the Commons, said: “Would she also accept that while we may not be in a period of cold war with Russia, as we were in the 1980s, because of their actions, it could be said that we are at least now entering a period of cool war.

“And if that be so, would she be prepared at the appropriate time to look again at our ability to deter Russia, and at the resources that we may require in order to do so?”

Mrs May replied that there was “no question of business as usual with Russia”, adding: “This incident proves that the actions we’ve taken over the past decade have been entirely justified.

“What we see is a Kremlin that is intent on dismantling the international rules based order, and we should stand up resolutely in defence.”