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May: Syria and Russia should be held to account for chemical attacks - live update May: Syria and Russia should be held to account for chemical attacks - live update
(about 1 hour later)
The US president has told reporters that he will make “some major decisions” as early as this evening on how the US will respond to the “atrocious” chemical weapons attack on civilians in Syria.
.@POTUS Trump condemns the heinous attack on innocent Syrians with banned chemical weapons. #Syria pic.twitter.com/qiEahlL3Ah
“We are very concerned that a thing like that can happen. This is about humanity ... it can’t be allowed to happen. We’ll be looking at that barbaric act and studying what’s going on,” the US president said before a Cabinet meeting.
He added:
If it’s Russia, if it’s Syria, if it’s Iran, if it’s all of them together, we’ll figure it out and we’ll know the answers quite soon.
Theresa May is now in Stockholm and has just done a press conference with the Swedish prime minister, Stefan Löfven.
She has used it as an opportunity to “reiterate her condemnation” of the attack on the people of Douma in Syria.
She was asked if she would join a US-led coalition against Bashar al-Assad following comments by US president Donald Trump. May said she was working with allies to establish responsibility and again repeated that those responsible should be held to account.
May added that she is “working with allies on any action” deemed necessary, which perhaps shows she is not ruling out military action, however she ignored a question on whether she’ll be recalling parliament for a vote on this.
This is Nicola Slawson taking over from Haroon for the evening.This is Nicola Slawson taking over from Haroon for the evening.
Boris Johnson has spoken to America’s acting secretary of state about the situation in Syria.Boris Johnson has spoken to America’s acting secretary of state about the situation in Syria.
A foreign office spokesman said:A foreign office spokesman said:
The foreign secretary spoke to acting US secretary of state John Sullivan this afternoon about Saturday’s devastating attack in Douma, Syria. This follows his conversation with French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian this morning.The foreign secretary spoke to acting US secretary of state John Sullivan this afternoon about Saturday’s devastating attack in Douma, Syria. This follows his conversation with French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian this morning.
The foreign secretary and acting secretary of state agreed that, based on current media reports and reports from those on the ground, this attack bore hallmarks of previous chemical weapons attacks by the Assad regime.The foreign secretary and acting secretary of state agreed that, based on current media reports and reports from those on the ground, this attack bore hallmarks of previous chemical weapons attacks by the Assad regime.
They reiterated their commitment to standing up for the Chemical Weapons Convention and to ensuring that those responsible for this horrific attack are held to account. They underlined the importance of the UK, the US, and France remaining in close touch.They reiterated their commitment to standing up for the Chemical Weapons Convention and to ensuring that those responsible for this horrific attack are held to account. They underlined the importance of the UK, the US, and France remaining in close touch.
Here is an afternoon summary:Here is an afternoon summary:
Theresa May has said the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, and his Russian backers must be held to account if found responsible for the chemical attack that killed dozens of people. May did not spell out what action the UK was prepared to take.Theresa May has said the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, and his Russian backers must be held to account if found responsible for the chemical attack that killed dozens of people. May did not spell out what action the UK was prepared to take.
The prime minister linked the Salisbury poisoning of the former Russian spy, Sergei Skripa, and his daughter Yulia to the Syria attack. She said the former showed “a similar recklessness” to the assault on Douma.The prime minister linked the Salisbury poisoning of the former Russian spy, Sergei Skripa, and his daughter Yulia to the Syria attack. She said the former showed “a similar recklessness” to the assault on Douma.
Jeremy Corbyn has said Amber Rudd has been “completely undermined” by leaked Home Office documents suggesting government cuts are linked to the rise in violent crime. Rudd earlier denied seeing the documents and said the increase was not connected to police funding cuts.Jeremy Corbyn has said Amber Rudd has been “completely undermined” by leaked Home Office documents suggesting government cuts are linked to the rise in violent crime. Rudd earlier denied seeing the documents and said the increase was not connected to police funding cuts.
Theresa May has overtaken Jeremy Corbyn in a poll for the first time since the election, according YouGov. The prime minister’s net rating (favourable minus unfavourable) was -13 while the Labour leader’s was -23.Theresa May has overtaken Jeremy Corbyn in a poll for the first time since the election, according YouGov. The prime minister’s net rating (favourable minus unfavourable) was -13 while the Labour leader’s was -23.
The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has congratulated Viktor Orbán, who ran a hardline anti-immigrant campaign, on winning the Hungarian election. Johnson expressed hope the UK and Hungary could “further develop our close partnership”. In comments not aimed directly at Johnson, the European parliament’s Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt said congratulating Orbán without urging him to respect European values “legitimises his vile campaign”.The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has congratulated Viktor Orbán, who ran a hardline anti-immigrant campaign, on winning the Hungarian election. Johnson expressed hope the UK and Hungary could “further develop our close partnership”. In comments not aimed directly at Johnson, the European parliament’s Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt said congratulating Orbán without urging him to respect European values “legitimises his vile campaign”.
The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, is getting some stick for congratulating the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, on his re-election.The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, is getting some stick for congratulating the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, on his re-election.
Viktor Orbán persecutes migrants, destroys press freedoms and uses his position to peddle state sponsored antisemitism. He is the 21st century far right, and our Foreign Secretary sends him congratulations. Disgusting. https://t.co/abh1Rr1z4qViktor Orbán persecutes migrants, destroys press freedoms and uses his position to peddle state sponsored antisemitism. He is the 21st century far right, and our Foreign Secretary sends him congratulations. Disgusting. https://t.co/abh1Rr1z4q
And yet @BorisJohnson sent warm congratulations to Orban. But then . . . https://t.co/5MeOmHOqW6And yet @BorisJohnson sent warm congratulations to Orban. But then . . . https://t.co/5MeOmHOqW6
Jeremy Corbyn has said he would be willing to discuss Maureen Lipman’s concerns about antisemitism within Labour, after the actor said she was leaving the party. In 2014, Lipman said she was abandoning a lifetime’s support of Labour, partly in protest at Ed Miliband’s support for recognising the Palestinian state.Jeremy Corbyn has said he would be willing to discuss Maureen Lipman’s concerns about antisemitism within Labour, after the actor said she was leaving the party. In 2014, Lipman said she was abandoning a lifetime’s support of Labour, partly in protest at Ed Miliband’s support for recognising the Palestinian state.
Asked about Maureen Lipman, who announced she can no longer be a member of Labour amid concerns over antisemitism, Jeremy Corbyn tells LBC: "Maureen Lipman is a great actress." pic.twitter.com/zUQymOePkjAsked about Maureen Lipman, who announced she can no longer be a member of Labour amid concerns over antisemitism, Jeremy Corbyn tells LBC: "Maureen Lipman is a great actress." pic.twitter.com/zUQymOePkj
Here is the Guardian’s news story on the prime minister’s comments on Syria:Here is the Guardian’s news story on the prime minister’s comments on Syria:
The European parliament’s Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt, has criticised the parliament’s centre-right bloc, the European People’s Party (EPP), for congratulating the Hungarian president, Viktor Orbán, on his re-election without any qualifications. Boris Johnson has offered similarly unreserved felicitations (see 12.53pm update).The European parliament’s Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt, has criticised the parliament’s centre-right bloc, the European People’s Party (EPP), for congratulating the Hungarian president, Viktor Orbán, on his re-election without any qualifications. Boris Johnson has offered similarly unreserved felicitations (see 12.53pm update).
By congratulating Orbán without calling on him to respect European values, the EPP legitimises his vile campaign, his attack on the rule of law & attempt to install authoritarianism. The only positive news is the emergence of @MomentumHU. They're the hope for the future. 🇪🇺🇭🇺 https://t.co/UYRuy4Z9RoBy congratulating Orbán without calling on him to respect European values, the EPP legitimises his vile campaign, his attack on the rule of law & attempt to install authoritarianism. The only positive news is the emergence of @MomentumHU. They're the hope for the future. 🇪🇺🇭🇺 https://t.co/UYRuy4Z9Ro
Here’s what May said about Syria attack and the Salisbury poisoning during questions:Here’s what May said about Syria attack and the Salisbury poisoning during questions:
We are very clear that if this is a chemical weapons attack of the sort that it appears to be from the regime we want to ensure that those responsible are held to account. There is a very clear message that we have been giving consistently in relation to actions in Syria that yes this is about the brutal actions of Assad and his regime but it is also about the backers of that regime. And of course Russia is one of those backers. The message that we have consistently given is that those who are backing the regime need to look very carefully at the position that they have taken. This is a brutal regime that is attacking its own people and we are very clear that it must be held to account and its backers must be held to account too.We are very clear that if this is a chemical weapons attack of the sort that it appears to be from the regime we want to ensure that those responsible are held to account. There is a very clear message that we have been giving consistently in relation to actions in Syria that yes this is about the brutal actions of Assad and his regime but it is also about the backers of that regime. And of course Russia is one of those backers. The message that we have consistently given is that those who are backing the regime need to look very carefully at the position that they have taken. This is a brutal regime that is attacking its own people and we are very clear that it must be held to account and its backers must be held to account too.
If this is at the hands of the Assad regime it is yet another example of the brutality of that regime and the way in which they have treated their own people. We are urgently working with our allies to assess what has taken place and talk with them about what actions will be necessary.If this is at the hands of the Assad regime it is yet another example of the brutality of that regime and the way in which they have treated their own people. We are urgently working with our allies to assess what has taken place and talk with them about what actions will be necessary.
On the evidence for Russian involvement in the Salisbury attack she said:On the evidence for Russian involvement in the Salisbury attack she said:
“Porton Down, which is a world renowned laboratory, has identified this as a military grade nerve agent of the family of novichoks, which were developed by the Russians. We also know that Russia regards certain defectors as legitimate targets and has been involved in state-sponsored assassination previously. We believe Russia has the capability, the intent and the motive to conduct such an attack.”“Porton Down, which is a world renowned laboratory, has identified this as a military grade nerve agent of the family of novichoks, which were developed by the Russians. We also know that Russia regards certain defectors as legitimate targets and has been involved in state-sponsored assassination previously. We believe Russia has the capability, the intent and the motive to conduct such an attack.”
May did not spell out what action the UK would take against Syria or Russia, but she used very strong rhetoric against both regimes and linked the chemical attack in Syria to the poisoning in Syria.May did not spell out what action the UK would take against Syria or Russia, but she used very strong rhetoric against both regimes and linked the chemical attack in Syria to the poisoning in Syria.
Here’s a transcript:Here’s a transcript:
Let me say a word on the reports this weekend of a barbaric chemical weapons attack in Douma, Syria, targeting innocent civilians many of them children. The UK utterly condemns the use of chemical weapons in any circumstances and we must urgently establish what happened on Saturday. If confirmed this is yet another example of the Assad regime’s brutality, and brazen disregard for its own people and for its legal obligations not to use these weapons. If they are found to be responsible, the regime and its backers including Russia, must be held to account.Let me say a word on the reports this weekend of a barbaric chemical weapons attack in Douma, Syria, targeting innocent civilians many of them children. The UK utterly condemns the use of chemical weapons in any circumstances and we must urgently establish what happened on Saturday. If confirmed this is yet another example of the Assad regime’s brutality, and brazen disregard for its own people and for its legal obligations not to use these weapons. If they are found to be responsible, the regime and its backers including Russia, must be held to account.
The events in Douma fit into a troubling wider pattern of acts of aggression and abuse of long-standing international norms on counter-proliferation and the use of chemical weapons. In recent years Russia’s repeated veto at the UN have enabled these rules to be broken and removed mechanism that allow us to investigate and hold to account chemical weapons attacks in Syria. This must stop. And we will work closely with our allies, including at the UN security council later today, to ensure the international community strengthens its resolve to deal with those who are responsible for carrying out these barbaric attacks, and to allow global norms to be breach in such an appalling way.The events in Douma fit into a troubling wider pattern of acts of aggression and abuse of long-standing international norms on counter-proliferation and the use of chemical weapons. In recent years Russia’s repeated veto at the UN have enabled these rules to be broken and removed mechanism that allow us to investigate and hold to account chemical weapons attacks in Syria. This must stop. And we will work closely with our allies, including at the UN security council later today, to ensure the international community strengthens its resolve to deal with those who are responsible for carrying out these barbaric attacks, and to allow global norms to be breach in such an appalling way.
We saw a similar recklessness last month with the use of chemical weapons on the streets of Salisbury ... The UK’s case for holding Russia responsible for the attempted murder of Sergei and Yulia Skripal is clear.We saw a similar recklessness last month with the use of chemical weapons on the streets of Salisbury ... The UK’s case for holding Russia responsible for the attempted murder of Sergei and Yulia Skripal is clear.
Based on our world leading experts at Porton Down positively identifying the chemical agent as a novichok, our knowledge that Russia has previously produced this agent and retains the capability to do so, Russia’s record of conducting state-sponsored assassinations, our assessment that they have used some defectors as legitimate targets for assassination, and our information indicating that they have investigated ways of delivering nerve agents probably for assassination, and as part of this programme have produced and stockpiled small quantities of novichoks, the government has concluded that there is no plausible explanation other than that Russia was responsible. No other country has a combination of the capability, the intent and the motive to carry out such an act.Based on our world leading experts at Porton Down positively identifying the chemical agent as a novichok, our knowledge that Russia has previously produced this agent and retains the capability to do so, Russia’s record of conducting state-sponsored assassinations, our assessment that they have used some defectors as legitimate targets for assassination, and our information indicating that they have investigated ways of delivering nerve agents probably for assassination, and as part of this programme have produced and stockpiled small quantities of novichoks, the government has concluded that there is no plausible explanation other than that Russia was responsible. No other country has a combination of the capability, the intent and the motive to carry out such an act.
Denmark’s solidarity, along with many countries across the international community, has been invaluable in sending a strong signal to Russia that its illegal and destabilising activity will not be tolerated.Denmark’s solidarity, along with many countries across the international community, has been invaluable in sending a strong signal to Russia that its illegal and destabilising activity will not be tolerated.
Theresa May condemns “barbaric” targeting of innocent civilians in chemical attack and says that if it’s confirmed Assad regime was behind it, Syria and its allies - including Russia - “must be held to account”. #Syria #Denmark pic.twitter.com/3FQqF9QIABTheresa May condemns “barbaric” targeting of innocent civilians in chemical attack and says that if it’s confirmed Assad regime was behind it, Syria and its allies - including Russia - “must be held to account”. #Syria #Denmark pic.twitter.com/3FQqF9QIAB
May is asked what evidence she has of Russian involvement in the Skripal attack. “We believe Russia has the ability, the intent and the motive for such an attack,” she says.May is asked what evidence she has of Russian involvement in the Skripal attack. “We believe Russia has the ability, the intent and the motive for such an attack,” she says.
“It is an absolutely appalling attack,” May says.“It is an absolutely appalling attack,” May says.
She calls for a broader and deeper trade deal with EU than any other country. She reaffirms the governments commitment to its target on net migration.She calls for a broader and deeper trade deal with EU than any other country. She reaffirms the governments commitment to its target on net migration.
Rasmussen says allowing young people to study abroad is one of the EU’s greatest achievements. He says he would like it to continue if possible.Rasmussen says allowing young people to study abroad is one of the EU’s greatest achievements. He says he would like it to continue if possible.
On Syria Rasmussen calls for a united response.On Syria Rasmussen calls for a united response.
May is asked whether the UK is considering an attack on Syria without parliamentary approval. She describes the attacks as reprehensible. She repeats that if the regime is responsible it should be held to account. It is also about the backers of the regime, she says naming Russia. “Its backers must be held to account,” she says.May is asked whether the UK is considering an attack on Syria without parliamentary approval. She describes the attacks as reprehensible. She repeats that if the regime is responsible it should be held to account. It is also about the backers of the regime, she says naming Russia. “Its backers must be held to account,” she says.
On Brexit Rasmussen says it is too early to talk about compromise, but he says he wants Denmark’s trading relationship with the UK to remain close. Leaving the single markets comes with a price tag for both the UK and Denmark, he says.On Brexit Rasmussen says it is too early to talk about compromise, but he says he wants Denmark’s trading relationship with the UK to remain close. Leaving the single markets comes with a price tag for both the UK and Denmark, he says.
May is asked whether she has changed her view about Brexit after voting Remain. The British people gave their verdict and we should all now pull together, she said.May is asked whether she has changed her view about Brexit after voting Remain. The British people gave their verdict and we should all now pull together, she said.
Theresa May and Danish prime minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen are giving a press conference in Copenhagen. Rasmussen says Denmark stands united with the UK over the attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal is Salisbury.Theresa May and Danish prime minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen are giving a press conference in Copenhagen. Rasmussen says Denmark stands united with the UK over the attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal is Salisbury.
He points out the Denmark has expelled two Russian diplomats over the poisoning.He points out the Denmark has expelled two Russian diplomats over the poisoning.
May says the UK “utterly condemns” the chemical attack in Syria. If the Assad regime is found to be responsible Syria and its backers must be held to account, she says.May says the UK “utterly condemns” the chemical attack in Syria. If the Assad regime is found to be responsible Syria and its backers must be held to account, she says.
May says Russia has repeatedly used its UN veto to stop Syria being held to account. This must stop she says. She describes the attack in Salisbury as similarly reckless, and says there is no other plausible explanation than that Russia was responsible.May says Russia has repeatedly used its UN veto to stop Syria being held to account. This must stop she says. She describes the attack in Salisbury as similarly reckless, and says there is no other plausible explanation than that Russia was responsible.
She thanks Denmark for its support over the attack.She thanks Denmark for its support over the attack.
Jeremy Corbyn has said Amber Rudd has been “completely undermined” by leaked Home Office documents suggesting government cuts are linked to the rise in violent crime, and demanded the home secretary explain herself to parliament.Jeremy Corbyn has said Amber Rudd has been “completely undermined” by leaked Home Office documents suggesting government cuts are linked to the rise in violent crime, and demanded the home secretary explain herself to parliament.
The Labour leader, speaking at the launch of his party’s London local election campaign, said every Londoner had experienced the effects of cuts to police and social services.The Labour leader, speaking at the launch of his party’s London local election campaign, said every Londoner had experienced the effects of cuts to police and social services.
“The daily experience of every single one of us, whatever political party you support, is that when there are no PCSOs, no Safer Neighbourhood team, you feel a sense of unease … People start to act with impunity,” he said.“The daily experience of every single one of us, whatever political party you support, is that when there are no PCSOs, no Safer Neighbourhood team, you feel a sense of unease … People start to act with impunity,” he said.
Corbyn said he would host a roundtable meeting on Tuesday that would include police officers, families who have lost children, and organisations working to end knife and gun crime.Corbyn said he would host a roundtable meeting on Tuesday that would include police officers, families who have lost children, and organisations working to end knife and gun crime.
He said the Conservatives had a record of “reckless failure” and leaked documents revealed by the Guardian on Monday showed the government was ignoring evidence from its officials.He said the Conservatives had a record of “reckless failure” and leaked documents revealed by the Guardian on Monday showed the government was ignoring evidence from its officials.
“We always said cuts have consequences and now the Home Office’s own officials agree with us,” he said. “Today’s leaked documents make a nonsense of the Tories’ repeated claims that their cuts to police numbers have had no effect.”“We always said cuts have consequences and now the Home Office’s own officials agree with us,” he said. “Today’s leaked documents make a nonsense of the Tories’ repeated claims that their cuts to police numbers have had no effect.”
Theresa May has overtaken Jeremy Corbyn in a poll for the first time since the election, according YouGov.Theresa May has overtaken Jeremy Corbyn in a poll for the first time since the election, according YouGov.
The public sees Theresa May more favourably than Jeremy Corbyn for the first time since the general election:Favourable / Unfavourable (net)Theresa May: 37% / 50% (-13)Jeremy Corbyn: 31% / 54% (-23)https://t.co/v0sgg5dumP pic.twitter.com/eugkkGfzVLThe public sees Theresa May more favourably than Jeremy Corbyn for the first time since the general election:Favourable / Unfavourable (net)Theresa May: 37% / 50% (-13)Jeremy Corbyn: 31% / 54% (-23)https://t.co/v0sgg5dumP pic.twitter.com/eugkkGfzVL