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UK expels four Russian diplomats UK expels four Russian diplomats
(30 minutes later)
The UK is to expel four diplomats from the Russian embassy in London after Moscow refused to extradite the suspect in the murder of Alexander Litvinenko.The UK is to expel four diplomats from the Russian embassy in London after Moscow refused to extradite the suspect in the murder of Alexander Litvinenko.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband also said co-operation with Russia on a range of issues was under review.Foreign Secretary David Miliband also said co-operation with Russia on a range of issues was under review.
Prosecutors want Andrei Lugovoi, an ex-KGB officer, to face trial in the UK. He denies involvement.Prosecutors want Andrei Lugovoi, an ex-KGB officer, to face trial in the UK. He denies involvement.
Former KGB agent Mr Litvinenko died of exposure to radioactive polonium-210 in London in November 2006.Former KGB agent Mr Litvinenko died of exposure to radioactive polonium-210 in London in November 2006.
The Foreign Office has not named the four Russian diplomats, but the BBC understands they are intelligence officers.The Foreign Office has not named the four Russian diplomats, but the BBC understands they are intelligence officers.
'Clear and proportionate'
Mr Miliband told MPs Russia was an important ally and the situation was one that Britain had "not sought and does not welcome".Mr Miliband told MPs Russia was an important ally and the situation was one that Britain had "not sought and does not welcome".
'Extremely disappointing'
But he said it was necessary to send a "clear and proportionate signal" to Russia, about the seriousness with which Britain regarded the matter.But he said it was necessary to send a "clear and proportionate signal" to Russia, about the seriousness with which Britain regarded the matter.
A UK citizen has suffered a horrifying and lingering death. David Miliband
"Visa facilitation negotiations" have also been suspended, he said."Visa facilitation negotiations" have also been suspended, he said.
Under the Council of Europe European Convention on Extradition 1957, the Russians have the right to refuse the extradition of a citizen. Under the Council of Europe European Convention on Extradition 1957, the Russians have the right to refuse the extradition of a citizen - although the UK has the right to request that Mr Lugovoi be tried in Russia.
But Mr Miliband said the refusal had been "extremely disappointing" and both the UN and EU had reported concerns that Russia was applying the law selectively. But Mr Miliband said the refusal had been "extremely disappointing" and both the UN and EU had reported concerns that the law in Russia was applied selectively.
The Convention gives the UK the right to request that the investigation be taken on by the Russian authorities. Co-operation reviewed
However, Sir Ken Macdonald, the UK's director of public prosecutions, rejected an offer from Moscow to try Mr Lugovoi in Russia. He told MPs the four diplomats would be expelled and added: "We shall review the extent of our cooperation with Russia on a range of issues, and as an initial step we have suspended visa facilitation negotiations with Russia and made other changes to visa practice."
He added that international agreements meant Mr Lugovoi could be extradited to the UK if he travelled abroad.
KEY EVENTS IN CASE 1 November 2006: Alexander Litvinenko meets Andrei Lugovoi and another Russian at a London hotel 23 November 2006: Litvinenko dies in a London hospital24 November 2006: A Litvinenko statement accuses Russian President Vladimir Putin of involvement in his death. Experts say Litvinenko was poisoned 6 December 2006: UK police say they are treating the death as murder 22 May 2007: Lugovoi should be charged with Litvinenko's murder, British prosecutors say 28 May 2007: UK makes formal request for Lugovoi's extradition from Russia Full timeline of events
The foreign secretary denied it was a "rush to judgment", but said: "A UK citizen has suffered a horrifying and lingering death.
"His murder put hundreds of others, residents and visitors, at risk of radiation contamination, and the UK government has a wider duty to ensure the safety of the large Russian community living in the UK."
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague said his party supported the tone and substance of the government's response.
He said the Conservatives hoped Russia would remain a key ally on issues like nuclear proliferation, the Middle East peace process, Kosovo and Iran, but that would require a "more positive and co-operative approach" from Moscow.
"An appalling crime of this nature and gravity cannot simply be overlooked," he added.
The radioactive isotope used to poison Mr Litvinenko was found in a string of places that Mr Lugovoi visited in London, but he said he was a witness, not a suspect in the case.
The UK's director of public prosecutions has recommended that Mr Lugovoi be tried for murder by "deliberate poisoning".