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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)
12.54pm GMT
12:54
Moscow says report aimed 'demonising' Russia
The Russia news site Sputnik has video of Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responding to the report. It quotes her saying that the report was aimed a “demonising Russia and its leadership.”
#Litvinenko inquiry was not in the least transparent, so we bowed out of it - @mfa_russia https://t.co/PAWlaSnXPK pic.twitter.com/78uf8rXIQf
12.46pm GMT
12:46
Crispin Blunt, the Tory chairman of the foreign affairs select committee, said working with Russia over Syria was a higher priority than reprisals over Litvinenko’s murder.
Speaking to BBC News he said: “The government has known this was a state-sponsored murder since 2007 ... Unfortunately we have no choice but to deal with the Russians where serious national and common interests are at stake. With hundreds of thousands of people now dead in Syria, bringing that civil war to an end is a clear common interest of both our states.”
He added: “The world has to engage with him [Vladimir Putin]. We are dealing with unsavoury partners all over the world. That is part of the necessity of diplomacy.”
Updated
at 12.46pm GMT
12.38pm GMT
12:38
Theresa May's statement - Summary
Andrew Sparrow
Here are the main points from Theresa May’s statement.
As others have said, in rhetorical terms it was robust. But May’s combative language distracted attention from the lack of substance in what she was announcing. The practical measures she unveiled in retaliation against Russia were minimal.
Here are the main points.
The Government takes these findings extremely seriously – as I am sure does every member of this House. We are carefully considering the report’s findings in detail, and their implications. In particular, the conclusion that the Russian state was probably involved in the murder of Mr Litvinenko is deeply disturbing. It goes without saying that this was a blatant and unacceptable breach of the most fundamental tenets of international law and of civilised behaviour. But we have to accept this does not come as a surprise. The Inquiry confirms the assessment of successive governments that this was a state sponsored act. This assessment has informed the Government’s approach to date.
In light of the report’s findings the Government will go further, and Treasury Ministers have today agreed to put in place asset freezes against the two individuals.
We have always made our position clear to the Russian government and in the strongest possible terms and we are doing so again today. We are making senior representations to the Russian Government in Moscow. And at the same time we will be summoning the Russian Ambassador in London to the Foreign Office, where we will express our profound displeasure at Russia’s failure to co-operate and provide satisfactory answers. Specifically, we have, and will continue to demand that the Russian Government account for the role of the FSB in this case.
This Government is clear that we must protect the UK and her interests from Russia- based threats, working closely with our allies in the EU and NATO. This morning I have written to my counterparts in EU, NATO and 5 Eyes countries drawing their attention to both the report and the need to take steps to prevent such a murder being committed on their streets.
Since 2007 that approach has comprised a series of steps to respond to Russia and its provovation. Some of these measures were immediate, such as the expulsion of a number of Russian embassy officials from the UK. Others are ongoing, such as the tightening of visa restrictions on Russian officials in the UK. The Metropolitan Police Service’s investigation into Mr Litvinenko’s murder remains open. And I can tell the House today Interpol notices and European Arrest Warrants are in place so that the main suspects, Andrey Lugovoy and Dmitri Kovtun, can be arrested if they travel abroad.
Matthew is taking over the blog again now.
12.30pm GMT
12:30
Kovtum is keeping schtumm, writes Shaun Walker in Moscow
As is their usual dynamic, Andrei Lugovoi has been giving plenty of comment to Russian news agencies on the British inquiry, while the man named as his accomplice in the poisoning, Dmitry Kovtun, has been staying quiet.
Since the murder, Lugovoi has led a public life, as an MP for a nationalist party and outspoken critic of the west, while Kovtun is rarely seen in public. Kovtun told Interfax on Thursday he did not want to comment until he had the chance to read the report thoroughly.
12.18pm GMT12.18pm GMT
12:1812:18
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?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.May says decisions about sporting events are for other bodies.
12.13pm GMT12.13pm GMT
12:1312:13
Marina Litvinenko's lawyer says all Russian spies in London should be expelledMarina Litvinenko's lawyer says all Russian spies in London should be expelled
My colleague Luke Harding has more from Marina Litvinenko’s press conference.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 LondonBen 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 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: "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 institutionsEmmerson 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'tWon'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 stayEmmerson 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 expelledEmmerson 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 terrorismPresser 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 freezeBut if he does he can expect nasty and probably asymmetric reaction from the Kremlin and years of Anglo-Russian deep freeze
12.08pm GMT12.08pm GMT
12:0812:08
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.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.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 GMT12.05pm GMT
12:0512:05
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?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.May says action was first taken in 2007. At that time asset freezes were not imposed, but they have been imposed today.
12.03pm GMT12.03pm GMT
12:0312:03
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?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.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.It is not “business as usual” with Russia, she says.
Sanctions have already been taken against Patrushev, she says.Sanctions have already been taken against Patrushev, she says.
But taking action against a head of state would be a different matter.But taking action against a head of state would be a different matter.
12.02pm GMT12.02pm GMT
12:0212:02
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.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 GMT11.59am GMT
11:5911:59
Ian Austin, the Labour former minister, has denounced May’s statement as “weak and pusillanimous nonsense”.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 nonsenseStatement by @andyburnhammp on Litvinenko murder was about a million times better than Teresa May's weak & pusillanimous nonsense
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.00pm GMTat 12.00pm GMT
11.57am GMT11.57am GMT
11:5711:57
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.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.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.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”.But, where it does engage with Moscow, it does so “guardedly”.
11.57am GMT11.57am GMT
11:5711:57
Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
Here’s a summary of what we know:Here’s a summary of what we know:
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.58am GMTat 11.58am GMT
11.55am GMT11.55am GMT
11:5511:55
May is responding to Burnham.May is responding to Burnham.
She says she would be happy to meet Marina Litvinenko.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.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.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.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.The UK has been leading on sanctions against Russia in the EU, she says.
She says she wants to see justice for the family.She says she wants to see justice for the family.
11.53am GMT11.53am GMT
11:5311:53
Andy Burnham, the shadow home secretary, is responding on behalf of Labour.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 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 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 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?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?Will the government consider the case for a Magnitsky Act?
Has the prime minister raised this case with Vladimir Putin?Has the prime minister raised this case with Vladimir Putin?
Burnham asks about parliament’s relationship with the Russian parliament.Burnham asks about parliament’s relationship with the Russian parliament.
He says the government should consider expelling all FSB officers from Britain.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.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.Burnham recalls Litvinenko’s last words to his son; he said he should defend Britain to his last breath.
11.50am GMT11.50am GMT
11:5011:50
And this is from the Daily Mail’s Jason Groves.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 consequencesTheresa May confirms Britain's impotence in #Litvinenko case. Raging against 'unacceptable' assassination, but almost no real consequences
11.45am GMT11.45am GMT
11:4511:45
Here’s my colleague Rowena Mason’s verdict on Theresa May’s statement.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 securityTheresa 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.