Britain to 'consider next steps' against Russia after 23 UK diplomats expelled over spy poisoning, Theresa May says

The British government will join allies to "consider the next steps against Russia" after a move to expel 23 UK diplomats over the Salisbury spy poisoning.

Theresa May said Britain "anticipated" the move following her announcement to expel 23 Russian diplomats over a nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.​

The Prime Minister again accused Russia over the March 4 incident and said Britain "will never tolerate a threat to the life of British citizens and others on British soil from the Russian government".

She told the Conservative Spring Forum: "In light of their previous behaviour we anticipated a response of this kind and we will consider our next steps in the coming days alongside our allies and partners.

"But Russia's response doesn't change the facts of the matter - the attempted assassination of two people on British soil for which there is no alternative conclusion other than that the Russian state was culpable.

"It is Russia that is in flagrant breach of international law and Chemical Weapons Convention.

"I repeat today that we have no disagreement with the Russian people. Many Russians have made this country their home and those who abide our laws and make a contribution to our society will always be welcome.

"But we will never tolerate a threat to the life of British citizens and others on British soil from the Russian government."

Mrs May praised the reaction of the UK’s allies and continued: "We can be reassured by the strong support we have received from our friends and allies around the world.

"From the United States, Nato and the European Union. From our UN and Commonwealth partners. I'm grateful too for the strong support I've received from the first minsters of Scotland and Wales.

"And in the House of Commons this week we saw a consensus as member after member across all parties stood up to condemn Russia's actions and to support the position of Her Majesty's Government.

"Because this act of Russian aggression is the very antithesis of the liberal and democratic values that define the United Kingdom - the rule of law, freedom of speech, the toleration of dissenting and minority views, a free press, fair and democratic elections, a thriving civil society.

"These are the foundation stones of human freedom. They don't come about by accident and they're certainly not the default setting for any society."

Her words came as police launched a fresh appeal for information surrounding the movements of Mr Skripal’s BMW the morning before he was found unconscious on a bench by police.

Scotland Yard has released a photo of the burgundy BMW 320D saloon car - registration HD09 WAO - which has become the focus of the huge investigation into the nerve agent attack.

Counter-terrorism police believe Mr Skripal's car may have been seen in the areas of London Road, Churchill Way North and Wilton Road at around 9.15am.

Salisbury cemetery and crematorium, where Mr Skripal's wife's grave and a memorial to his son are located, is situated on London Road and has been cordoned off by police who were seen removing items earlier this week.

The car was then later seen being driven down Devizes Road, towards the town centre, at around 1.30pm.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said: "We are learning more about Sergei and Yulia's movements but we need to be clearer around their exact movements on the morning of the incident.

"We need to establish Sergei and Yulia's movements during the morning, before they headed to the town centre. Did you see this car, or what you believe was this car, on the day of the incident?

We are particularly keen to hear from you if you saw the car before 1.30pm. If you have information, please call the police on 101."

Miss Skripal arrived at Heathrow from Russia at 2.40pm on March 3 and the pair visited Salisbury city centre at around 1.40pm the following day, going to the Mill pub before eating at Zizzi restaurant between 2.20pm and 3.35pm.

They were discovered on the bench in The Maltings shortly after 4.15pm, when police were called.

Mr Basu said the probe, which is being worked on "around the clock" by around 250 officers, could take "months".

He said: "In any investigation, the information we receive from the public can be crucial to helping the police build a picture of events and in this case the public response has been immense.

"Around 400 witnesses have already given statements, with hundreds more to be taken in the coming days.

"To date, detectives have recovered 762 exhibits and are trawling through around 4,000 hours of CCTV. They are making good progress in what is a painstaking investigation that is likely to be ongoing for weeks, if not months."

Anyone who has images or footage that may assist the investigation is asked to upload them at the secure website http://www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk.