A RUSSIAN spy will be booted out of the UK after Moscow conducted a pattern of “malign activity” across Europe, the Home Secretary has declared.
James Cleverly told the Commons the Russian defence attache is “an undeclared military intelligence officer” and that he will expelled.
He also announced the closure of several Russian diplomatic properties across the country.
It comes after a British man was charged over alleged hostile state activity intended to benefit Russia in April – including by allegedly recruiting others for an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked commercial property in London.
Mr Cleverly warned Brits to expect a wave of “conspiracy theories” and “hysteria” coming from the Russian Government as a result of the clampdown.
But the Cabinet Minister blasted: “We will not be taken for fools by Putin’s bots, trolls and lackeys.”
The tougher measures were the latest step in response to a “pattern of alleged Russian malign activity across the UK and Europe” in a bid to “target and dismantle Russian intelligence-gathering operations”, the Home Office said.
Making the announcement in the Commons, Mr Cleverly said: “I am announcing a package of measures to make clear to Russia that we will not tolerate such apparent escalations.
“I can tell the House that we will expel the Russian defence attache, who is an undeclared military intelligence officer.
“We will remove diplomatic premises status from several Russian-owned properties in the UK, including Seacox Heath house, a Russian-owned property in Sussex, and the trade and defence section in Highgate, which we believe have been used for intelligence purposes.
“We are imposing new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas, including capping the length of time Russian diplomats can spend in the UK.”
He then warned: “In the coming days we should expect accusations of russophobia, conspiracy theories and hysteria from the Russian government. This is not new and the British government will not fall for it and will not be taken for fools by Putin’s bots, trolls and lackeys. Russia’s explanation was totally inadequate. Our response will be resolute and firm. Our message to Russia is clear: stop this illegal war, withdraw your troops from Ukraine, cease this malign activity.”