The British government announced Wednesday that it has expelled the Russian defense attaché, labeling him an "undeclared" spy, as part of a comprehensive set of actions against Moscow's intelligence operations within the UK.
In a statement, the UK Home Office has announced a series of measures designed to send a tough, uncompromising message to Russia.
These actions involve stripping diplomatic status from Russian properties on British soil and introducing stricter limitations on diplomatic visas for Russian officials.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak affirmed the government's commitment to national security, emphasizing the imperative to safeguard citizens and allies. "National security is the first duty of government. I will do everything to ensure we protect our people and our allies," Sunak asserted.
Among the measures disclosed by the Home Office, the expulsion of the Russian defense attaché was highlighted, designated as "an undeclared military intelligence officer." In addition, the diplomatic status of various Russian properties, including Seacox Heath in Sussex and the Trade and Defense Section in Highgate, London, suspected of serving "intelligence purposes," will be revoked. Further, new restraints will be placed on Russian diplomatic visas, including the length of time they are allowed to stay in the UK.
UK Home Secretary James Cleverly said such actions were necessary to act as a strong counter-deterrent to Russian threats. "We are taking action to send a strong deterrence message to Russia and to further reduce the ability of the Russian Intelligence Services to threaten the UK," Cleverly said.
According to the Home Office, these measures are the latest response to a series of aggressive actions against Russia, which include alleged espionage activities. The government has charged several individuals, alleged to be connected to Moscow, with espionage-related offenses.
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron was quick to release a statement on the issue. He noted, "In light of Russia's continued illegal invasion of Ukraine, attempts to undermine European security are intolerable." Cameron continued, "The UK will never back down in the face of Russian aggression: These measures send an unequiv.Shapps said that they will keep on doing joint work to ensure that freedom and democracy are safeguarded in light of these continued threats.
There have been many malicious incidents attributed to the Russian FSB as part of the UK and its allies in the scope of cybersecurity. These include the cyber-attacks carried out on parliamentarians, hacking and leaking of sensitive documents, and interference in democracy-focused organizations.
In light of these new developments, the UK government has introduced stringent measures for countering Russian aggression, building on the previous actions taken in response to the 2018 Salisbury attack. The UK's National Security Act 2023 is the underpinning point in amplifying efforts to detect, deter, and disrupt state-sponsored threats. It is a measure of the government's steadfast commitment to national security.
Read also | UK PM Rishi Sunak Faces MP Defection Amid Accusations of Incompetence
