Telling Russia off

WELL, I can understand Theresa May being “furious” about lots of things. Let’s face it, the poor lass has a lot on her plate. Anyone wanting to be prime minister should be immediately disqualified on grounds of insanity. If you don’t believe me, ask Theresa.

Her most frequent “fury” is justified. The attempted assassination of alleged “double agent” Sergei Skripal and his daughter, now British citizens living (just) in Salisbury, is an outrage, whoever was responsible. Theresa May gave Russia 24 hours to respond after stating in Parliament that “Russia was highly likely to be responsible”. She wanted an explanation of how “a brazen attack occurred on British soil using Russian-made nerve agent”. She threatened “retaliation” without being specific.

“Whitehall sources” reportedly said British “cyberattacks” on Russia were being considered. Almost immediately the Russian Embassy in Britain issued a denial of involvement and a “stark warning” to Britain. This follows dire threats from Putin just days before, when he said: “Russia still has the greatest nuclear potential in the world, but nobody is listening. Listen now.”

Make no mistake, this is serious stuff. Britain is not in the best position militarily to be throwing its weight around. The problem is, Russian aggression cannot be ignored. Theresa May is right to be “furious”. She is right to “retaliate”. Not to do so would only encourage Putin’s aggression, not restrict it. History has proved that time and time again.

Thank goodness the US has made clear she stands firmly at Britain’s side on this. Without the US, God help us. Start praying the day doesn’t dawn when we need them.