BBC News School Report @ LCS
UK Diplomats to be explelled in resonse to May's action
By: Emily
Sergei Skripal, an ex-spy, and his daughter Yulia are in critical conditions after being exposed to a nerve agent. Due to this, Theresa May will expel 23 diplomats from the UK (which May claimed to have been identified) with one week to leave this country. Diplomats represent Russians in the UK, but following May’s actions, this can have a negative effect on their country.
Due to these actions, Lavrov (the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia) says he will expel UK diplomats “soon” in retaliation to Theresa May’s accusations according to RIA news agency. However, it is not confirmed as to how many UK diplomats will be involved. Lavrov claims that Britain’s accusations were “irresponsible”.
But whether this is the best idea or not is being debated.
The poison that was used (Novichok) is known to be produced in Russia causing controversy in Moscow and Britain. It means “newcomer” in Russian and was developed by the the Soviet Union in the 1970’s- 1980’s.
Thirty-six people around the area have been to see medics and a police officer has been left hospitalized, but it is highly unlikely that it is severe. They have been advised to thoroughly wash their things in case it has been contaminated.
Russia was unable to explain this situation within the time limit given (midnight on Tuesday- London time) and Britain is concluding that Russia is linked to the poisoning of the Skripals. May stated “But their response has demonstrated complete disdain for the gravity of these events.” May has recently had contact with the US President, Donald Trump and he agreed that Russia should provide answers soon. It is thought that this isn’t going to be the last chemical attack if we don’t stop this now and there are dears that other places will be hit.
Following these events and the growing threat from North Korea, Britain is planning to build a new chemical weapons defence centre which will cost £48m. Our country may be under a growing threat from North Korea and Russia. The danger of Britain being attacked again is constantly rising.