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Alexander Litvinenko murder: UK freezes assets of chief suspects – live Alexander Litvinenko murder: UK freezes assets of chief suspects – live
(35 minutes later)
12.18pm GMT
12:18
In the Commons Labour’s Clive Efford says holding sports events in Russia is a propaganda coup for Russia. What is the government doing to stop this?
May says decisions about sporting events are for other bodies.
12.13pm GMT
12:13
Marina Litvinenko's lawyer says all Russian spies in London should be expelled
My colleague Luke Harding has more from Marina Litvinenko’s press conference.
Ben Emmerson, Marina's lawyer, says it would be "craven" of UK government not to give tough response to act of nuclear terrorism in London
Emmerson says no prospect of two murderers standing trial in Uk until after "the final fall of Vladimir Putin"
Emmerson: "It's inconceivable Putin would send them for trial after he sent them to London to commit a murder"
Emmerson won't say who he wants sanctioned but says it includes "individuals associated" with the murder plus institutions
Won't confirm Putin is on list. But it's inconceivable in my view that he isn't
Emmerson says he expects expulsions. Says it inconceivable #FSB and other agents based at #Russian embassy in London can be allowed to stay
Emmerson says it's not clear how many FSB and SVR foreign intelligence agents are based at Rus embassy. But stresses 'all"should be expelled
Presser over. My take: the ball is now in David Cameron's court. If he doesn't expel Russian diplomats he will look weak on state terrorism
But if he does he can expect nasty and probably asymmetric reaction from the Kremlin and years of Anglo-Russian deep freeze
12.08pm GMT
12:08
Labour’s Ian Austin says Putin is “an unreconstructed KGB thug and gangster who murders his opponents” and that “nothing announced today will make the blindest bit of difference”. He calls for a Magnitsky Act.
May says the government can already exclude people from the UK if it wants to do so. It does not need a Magnitsky Act, she says. And she repeats the point about the government wanting Lugovoi and Kovtun to come to the UK so they can face justice.
12.05pm GMT
12:05
Labour’s Ben Bradshaw says this shows Russia is a “rogue state”. He says people will be aghast that the government is only announcing asset freezes on Lugovoi and Kovtun today?
May says action was first taken in 2007. At that time asset freezes were not imposed, but they have been imposed today.
12.03pm GMT
12:03
David Davis, the Conservative backbencher, says although the report says President Putin probably approved the murder of Litvinenko, the word “proabably” is redundant. Putin’s regime has killed more than 100 opponents, he says. What will be done about Putin and Nikolai Patrushev? Will FSB officers be expelled from London? And what action will be taken to freeze Russian bank accounts around the world?
May says she said in her statement that the findings about Russian state involvement were no surprise.
It is not “business as usual” with Russia, she says.
Sanctions have already been taken against Patrushev, she says.
But taking action against a head of state would be a different matter.
12.02pm GMT
12:02
Here’s a clip of Marina Litvinenko’s barrister Ben Emmerson reacting to the report. “This was a mini act of nuclear terrorism on the streets of London,” he said.
11.59am GMT
11:59
Ian Austin, the Labour former minister, has denounced May’s statement as “weak and pusillanimous nonsense”.
Statement by @andyburnhammp on Litvinenko murder was about a million times better than Teresa May's weak & pusillanimous nonsense
Updated
at 12.00pm GMT
11.57am GMT
11:57
Dr Liam Fox, the Conservative former defence secretary, says Lugovoi has been lionised in Russia. That amounts to a snub to the UK. While this continues, Russia should never be treated as an equal partner, he says.
May says the treatment of Lugovoi in Russia (he is an MP) tells you everything you need to know.
She says that the government needs to engage with Russia, on issues like Syria.
But, where it does engage with Moscow, it does so “guardedly”.
11.57am GMT
11:57
Matthew Weaver
Here’s a summary of what we know:
Updated
at 11.58am GMT
11.55am GMT
11:55
May is responding to Burnham.
She says she would be happy to meet Marina Litvinenko.
On the subject of a Magnitsky Act, she says the government has a number of actions that can be taken. But the government wants Lugovoi and Kovtun to come to the UK so they can face justice. It does not want them to be excluded.
If they travel outside Russia, there are warrants in place that would led to their being arrested.
She says David Cameron will raise this with Putin at the next available opportunity.
The UK has been leading on sanctions against Russia in the EU, she says.
She says she wants to see justice for the family.
11.53am GMT
11:53
Andy Burnham, the shadow home secretary, is responding on behalf of Labour.
He says this is one of the most “shocking and disturbing” reports presented to parliament. It reveals an “unprecedented act of state sponsored terrorism that must be met with a commensurate response”.
He says the government should ask its allies to cooperate with Britain in trying to extradite Lugovoi and Kovtun.
He asks if the security of other Russians in the UK who could be at risk has been reviewed.
He says Marina Litvinenko has a list of people who helped Lugovoi and Kovtun. Will the government consider sanctions on people on this list, affecting their travel, their property and their assets?
Will the government consider the case for a Magnitsky Act?
Has the prime minister raised this case with Vladimir Putin?
Burnham asks about parliament’s relationship with the Russian parliament.
He says the government should consider expelling all FSB officers from Britain.
And he says the government should now consider the case for trying to stop the World Cup being held in Russia in 2018.
Burnham recalls Litvinenko’s last words to his son; he said he should defend Britain to his last breath.
11.50am GMT
11:50
And this is from the Daily Mail’s Jason Groves.
Theresa May confirms Britain's impotence in #Litvinenko case. Raging against 'unacceptable' assassination, but almost no real consequences
11.45am GMT
11:45
Here’s my colleague Rowena Mason’s verdict on Theresa May’s statement.
Theresa May says UK will engage "guardedly" with Russia where it is strictly necessary to do so for national security
11.44am GMT11.44am GMT
11:4411:44
May says the closed version of the Owen report - the secret one - includes a recommendation to the government. She cannot discuss that, she says, but the government will respond in due course.May says the closed version of the Owen report - the secret one - includes a recommendation to the government. She cannot discuss that, she says, but the government will respond in due course.
11.42am GMT11.42am GMT
11:4211:42
May says the government has threat out the range of threats facing the UK, including from Russia, in its strategic security and defence review.May says the government has threat out the range of threats facing the UK, including from Russia, in its strategic security and defence review.
Since the last SSDR Russia has become more authoritarian, aggressive and nationalist, she says. It is a threat to European security.Since the last SSDR Russia has become more authoritarian, aggressive and nationalist, she says. It is a threat to European security.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.43am GMTat 11.43am GMT
11.41am GMT11.41am GMT
11:4111:41
May says the technological advances are changing the threats facing Britain.May says the technological advances are changing the threats facing Britain.
More money has been allocated to the intelligence agencies, she says.More money has been allocated to the intelligence agencies, she says.
11.40am GMT11.40am GMT
11:4011:40
May says the Russian ambassador will be summoned to the Foreign Office to be told about the government’s anger about this case.May says the Russian ambassador will be summoned to the Foreign Office to be told about the government’s anger about this case.
11.39am GMT11.39am GMT
11:3911:39
May says the Treasury is imposing asset freezes on Lugovoi and Kovtun.May says the Treasury is imposing asset freezes on Lugovoi and Kovtun.
May says the inquiry found that Litvinenko was deliberately poisoned by Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitry Kovtun, acting on behalf of others. The operation was probably approved by President Putin, she says.May says the inquiry found that Litvinenko was deliberately poisoned by Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitry Kovtun, acting on behalf of others. The operation was probably approved by President Putin, she says.
She says the government takes this “extremely seriously”.She says the government takes this “extremely seriously”.
The conclusion that the Russian state was probably involved is extremely disturbing, she says. This was “a blatant and fundamental breach of the most fundamental tenents of international law and civilised behaviour”.The conclusion that the Russian state was probably involved is extremely disturbing, she says. This was “a blatant and fundamental breach of the most fundamental tenents of international law and civilised behaviour”.
But it was not a surprise, she says, in the light of Russia’s behaviour.But it was not a surprise, she says, in the light of Russia’s behaviour.
She says international arrest warrants are still out for Lugovoi and Kovtun.She says international arrest warrants are still out for Lugovoi and Kovtun.
11.35am GMT11.35am GMT
11:3511:35
Theresa May's statementTheresa May's statement
Theresa May, the home secretary, is making her statement now.Theresa May, the home secretary, is making her statement now.
She says the death of Litvinenko was shocking. She set up the inquiry, and welcomes its report, she says.She says the death of Litvinenko was shocking. She set up the inquiry, and welcomes its report, she says.
She hopes the findings provide some “clarity” for Litvinenko’s family and friends. She pays tribute to his widow Marina for her “tireless” efforts to find the truth about his death.She hopes the findings provide some “clarity” for Litvinenko’s family and friends. She pays tribute to his widow Marina for her “tireless” efforts to find the truth about his death.
11.33am GMT11.33am GMT
11:3311:33
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
I’m Andrew Sparrow and I will be taking over from Matthew for a while, covering Theresa May’s Commons statement about the inquiry findings. May is due to start in the next few minutes.I’m Andrew Sparrow and I will be taking over from Matthew for a while, covering Theresa May’s Commons statement about the inquiry findings. May is due to start in the next few minutes.
Earlier in the Commons Chris Bryant, the shadow leader of the Commons, and a persistent critic of Putin’s Russia, urged the government to implement a Magnitsky Act. He said:Earlier in the Commons Chris Bryant, the shadow leader of the Commons, and a persistent critic of Putin’s Russia, urged the government to implement a Magnitsky Act. He said:
Of course I fully understand why the government wants to engage with Russia, she is a key player in Iran and in Syria.Of course I fully understand why the government wants to engage with Russia, she is a key player in Iran and in Syria.
But the one thing we know for certain about the murderous kleptomaniac regime in Russia is that it walks all over the weak.But the one thing we know for certain about the murderous kleptomaniac regime in Russia is that it walks all over the weak.
Putin has no respect for those who let him do what he wants.Putin has no respect for those who let him do what he wants.
On March 7 2012 this House declared unanimously that it wanted the government to introduce a Magnitsky Act, ensuring that nobody involved in the murder of Sergei Magnitsky or the corruption that he unveiled should be able to enter this country.On March 7 2012 this House declared unanimously that it wanted the government to introduce a Magnitsky Act, ensuring that nobody involved in the murder of Sergei Magnitsky or the corruption that he unveiled should be able to enter this country.
The USA has such an act - is it not time that we made absolutely clear that Russian murderers are not welcome in this country and that the likes of Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun can only enter the country if they are prepared to stand trial?”The USA has such an act - is it not time that we made absolutely clear that Russian murderers are not welcome in this country and that the likes of Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun can only enter the country if they are prepared to stand trial?”
11.25am GMT11.25am GMT
11:2511:25
Downing Street says findings are 'extremely disturbing'Downing Street says findings are 'extremely disturbing'
Rowena MasonRowena Mason
Downing Street said the findings were “extremely disturbing” but the government would have to weigh up any further actions in light of the need to work with Russia on tackling Isis, writes Rowena Mason.Downing Street said the findings were “extremely disturbing” but the government would have to weigh up any further actions in light of the need to work with Russia on tackling Isis, writes Rowena Mason.
David Cameron’s official spokeswoman said the report “regrettably confirms what we and previous governments already believed to date”, which is why action were already taken against Russia in 2007.David Cameron’s official spokeswoman said the report “regrettably confirms what we and previous governments already believed to date”, which is why action were already taken against Russia in 2007.
“We have to weigh carefully need to take measures with the broader need to work with Russia on certain issues,” she said.“We have to weigh carefully need to take measures with the broader need to work with Russia on certain issues,” she said.
The spokeswoman added: “When you look at the threat from Daesh, it is an example of where you put... national security first.”The spokeswoman added: “When you look at the threat from Daesh, it is an example of where you put... national security first.”
She said measures against Russia including expelling four embassy officials, tighter visa controls on diplomatic staff and limiting cooperation with the FSB were still in place.She said measures against Russia including expelling four embassy officials, tighter visa controls on diplomatic staff and limiting cooperation with the FSB were still in place.
11.21am GMT11.21am GMT
11:2111:21
Theresa May is due to give a statement in the Commons at around 11.30. At that point our political live blogger Andrew Sparrow will take over this blog.Theresa May is due to give a statement in the Commons at around 11.30. At that point our political live blogger Andrew Sparrow will take over this blog.
Statement from Home Secretary Theresa May on #Litvinenko Inquiry follows Business Questions at approx 11.30am https://t.co/pgUk9c51S4Statement from Home Secretary Theresa May on #Litvinenko Inquiry follows Business Questions at approx 11.30am https://t.co/pgUk9c51S4
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.23am GMTat 11.23am GMT
11.20am GMT11.20am GMT
11:2011:20
What are the prospects of Lugovoi and Kovtun being extradited, Emmerson is asked. He says this will only happen if Putin falls from power. He pointed out that Lugovoi was given a medal by Putin.What are the prospects of Lugovoi and Kovtun being extradited, Emmerson is asked. He says this will only happen if Putin falls from power. He pointed out that Lugovoi was given a medal by Putin.
11.18am GMT
11:18
Emmerson accuses Russia of “political bluster” in its response to the report. He said those implicated had commented on the report without reading it.
11.15am GMT
11:15
Marina Litvinenko’s QC said Ben Emmerson there was so much radioactive material released into London during the murder that it should be a matter of public safety to respond.
He said a list of names has been supplied to the British government who should be sanctioned. “It would be crazy for the prime minister to do nothing in response,” Emmerson said. The first function of the state is to keep its citizen safe, he said.
11.11am GMT
11:11
Shaun Walker
Yesterday I spoke to Viktor Ivanov, a close Putin ally who had been implicated in ordering the hit by lawyers for Marina Litvinenko during the inquiry, writes Shaun Walker.
He was angry and said the inquiry had not contacted him to give evidence.
The report finds that a damning report Litvinenko wrote into Ivanov’s background, which may have found its way back into his hands, was drafted too soon before the operation began to kill him to have served as the trigger for the assassination.
“I do not therefore think that either of these matters was a fundamental cause of the decision to kill Mr Litvinenko,” says page 228 of the report. However, the judge concluded that there is a possibility that “these considerations may have provided extra motivation and impetus to a plan that had already been conceived.
11.09am GMT
11:09
Shaun Walker
We have already heard that there will be “serious consequences” for bilateral relationship with Britain, but any Russian actions are likely to be calibrated according to how tough Britain’s political response to the inquiry’s findings turns out to be, writes Shaun Walker in Moscow.
We can expect some aggressive rhetoric over the “illegitimate” and “politicised” nature of the hearing today, but the ideal outcome for Moscow will be to brush the results under the carpet. Moscow is already under sanctions for its actions in Crimea and Ukraine, and has no appetite to get into another round of reciprocal measures. However, if London does decide the allegations are so serious that there has to be a robust response, we can expect indignation and some kind of symmetrical action from Moscow.
While the inquiry was clear that Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitry Kovtun carried out the attack with the backing of the Russian state, for now the Russian focus is likely to be on the inquiry’s formulation that the hit was “probably” ordered by Vladimir Putin and the lack of any certain conclusions as to who ordered the hit.
Numerous officials have told me they believe the inquiry to be a purely politicised process, and the first official responses we have been hearing from the foreign ministry and other official sources are taking the same line today.
The new British ambassador in Moscow, Laurie Bristow, arrived in Russia just ten days ago, and has a challenging start to his tenure. With Britain eager to keep contacts with Russia over Syria and other issues, he is likely to be working to smooth over the effects of the report with various Russian contacts.
Updated
at 11.11am GMT
11.07am GMT
11:07
Here’s the key clip from Owen’s statement.
Updated
at 11.28am GMT
11.05am GMT
11:05
Marina Litvinenko is giving a press conference. She starts by rereading the statement she gave earlier outside the High Court.
11.03am GMT
11:03
Here’s the key passage from Owen’s statement:
“All the evidence points in one direction namely that when they [Lugovoi and Kovtun] killed Mr Litvinenko they were acting on behalf of someone else. I have concluded that there is a strong probability that when Mr Lugovoi poisoned Mr Litvinenko he did so under the direction of the FSB - the Federal Security Service of the Russia Federation ...
I have further concluded the FSB operation to kill Mr Litvinenko was probably approved by Mr [Nikolai] Patrushev, then head of the FSB, and also by President Putin.
10.55am GMT
10:55
Here’s audio of Sir Robert Owen’s statement on Litvinenko’s death.
10.51am GMT
10:51
Owen said that Litvinenko did not poison himself as Lugovoi claimed. He said the evidence showed there can be no doubt that Litvinenko was killed by Lugovoi and Kovtun.
Neither had any personal reason to kill Litvinenko. He said there was “strong probability” than when Lugovoi and Kovtun poisoned him they were acting on the orders of the Russian state.
10.48am GMT
10:48
Sir Robert Owen reminds us that the home secretery Theresa May initially refused to have public inquiry. He said this had to be challenged in court by Marina Litvinenko.