Britain must throw out a Russian spy and close several buildings used by the Russian spies Putin regime in a crackdown on its actions in Britain, the Home Secretary said today.
James Slim told MPs that an 'undeclared' Russian military intelligence officer had posed as Moscow's defense attaché and was told to leave the country.
He also unveiled new measures, including a limit on the amount of time Russian diplomats can spend in Britain.
The tougher measures were the latest move in response to a “pattern of alleged Russian malign activity in the UK and Europe” in an effort to “target and dismantle Russian intelligence gathering operations.” Home office said.
It comes after five people were charged with conspiring to commit espionage activities on behalf of Russia in Britain under the National Security Act, the first such prosecutions under the new laws.
It comes against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and growing fears of Russian espionage and sabotage across Europe.
The buildings that will lose their diplomatic status include Seacox Heath, which was built in 1871 for statesman George Goschen, but which has been in Russian hands since 1946.
It was ignored for decades, but when the news broke, it involved an expansion of the Russian embassy LondonResidents, outraged by the invasion, spotted pro-Ukrainian graffiti on the entrance.
The Russian ambassador had been summoned to announce the measures and “reiterate that Russia's actions will not be tolerated,” the Interior Ministry said.
James Cleverly told MPs that an 'undeclared' Russian military intelligence officer had posed as Moscow's defense attaché and was told to leave the country.
The buildings set to lose their diplomatic status include Seacox Heath, which was built in 1871 for statesman George Goschen but has been in Russian hands since 1946.
The Home Secretary told the House of Commons: 'Today in collaboration with the Minister of Foreign AffairsI am announcing a package of measures to make that clear Russia that we will not tolerate such apparent escalations.
“I can tell the House that we will expel the Russian defense attaché, an undeclared military intelligence officer.
“We will withdraw the diplomatic building status of several Russian properties in Britain, including Seacox Heath House, a Russian property in Sussex, and the Trade and Defense Department at Highgate, which we believe have been used for intelligence purposes.
'We are imposing new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas, including limiting the amount of time Russian diplomats can spend in Britain.
He added that he expected Moscow to make accusations of Russophobia and spread conspiracy theories and “hysteria” in response.
“This is not new and the British people and government will not fall for it, and will not be fooled by Putin's bots, trolls and lackeys,” he told MPs.
“Russia's statement was completely inadequate. Our response will be resolute and resolute.
“Our message to Russia is clear: stop this illegal war, withdraw your troops from Ukraine, stop this evil activity.”
Last night Putin was brought in for a new one six-year presidential term. He will Overtake Josef Stalin and become Russia's longest-serving ruler since Empress Catherine the Great if he completes the term.
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said Labor “wholeheartedly” supported the move, telling MPs: “We join the Home Secretary's strong condemnation of Russian interference and hostile activity here in Britain and across all of Europe.
“We have repeatedly seen Russia's blatant disregard for the rule of law, for Britain, for our allies and for our internal security.”
Conservative former minister Rehman Chishti questioned whether Britain would introduce legislation to seize Russian assets, adding: “It is absolutely crucial that we do everything we can to shut down Putin's finances and ensure to ensure that he pays for the reconstruction of Ukraine.'
Mr Cleverly replied: 'We have made it absolutely clear, we will be incredibly imaginative, we will work hard to ensure that the regime and the people who funded the brutal attack on Ukraine are also the ones who will rebuild Ukraine funding, and we will work with our international partners to make that happen.”