By Eric King-
UK Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson has expressed deep concern about the possibility of Russian involvement in the collapse of former spy Sergei Skripal.
Johnson whose political career post David Cameron’s resignation has been caught up in one controversy after another, was uncontroversial in his response to the suspected poisoning. Johnson words were sensible and representative of a reasonable Uk response. He said the UK would respond “robustly” to any evidence of Russian involvement.
Speaking to MP’s in parliament, Johnson said: “Honourable members will note the echoes of the death of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006.
“And while it would be wrong to prejudge the investigation, I can reassure the House that should evidence emerge that implies state responsibility, then Her Majesty’s Government will respond appropriately and robustly…
“I say to governments around the world that no attempt to take innocent life on UK soil will go unsanctioned or unpunished.”
Mr Johnson said that if it emerged Russia was linked to the incident in Salisbury “it would be very difficult to imagine” that UK representation at this summer’s football World Cup could go ahead in the “normal way”.
ILL
Mr Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, who is in her 30s, are critically ill in hospital after being found unconscious in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
The foreign secretary said he was not pointing fingers at this stage, but described Russia as “a malign and disruptive force.
Counter Terrorism Police have now taken over the investigation from Wiltshire Police. In a statement, the unit said the inquiry had not been declared a terrorist incident and there was no risk to the wider public.
The former Russian agent convicted of spying for Britain – and his daughter were found slumped on a bench alongside his daughter outside a shopping centre on Sunday afternoon.
Mr.Skripal and his daughter were seen walking through an alley leading from a Zizzi restaurant, which has now been “secured” by police. It is strongly believed mr.Skripal was deliberately poisoned, especially after being found unconscious with his daughter.