UK to expel Russian defence attache as sanctions escalate

Home secretary announces closure of several Russian diplomatic premises after pattern of ‘malign activity’ in Britain and Europe

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Russia’s defence attache is an “undeclared military intelligence officer” who will be expelled from the UK amid an escalation of sanctions, the home secretary said on Wednesday.

James Cleverly announced the closure of several Russian diplomatic premises in the Commons and told MPs the moves followed a pattern of “malign activity” across Britain and Europe.