SNP urges UK government to expel Russian diplomats

Leader of the SNP group in the Commons, Ian Blackford MP has called on Boris Johnson’s government to “expel” Russian diplomats. 

Writing on Twitter, Mr Blackford said: “Russia needs to face the full force of sanctions whilst we must do all we can to supply Ukraine what they need to defend themselves”.

He added: “Boris Johnson should now expel Andrey Kelin the Russian ambassador to the UK”.

Mr Kelin has been formally rebuked by the government and even “kicked out” the Foreign Office in a “heated meeting” chaired by Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on Thursday. Ms Truss set up the meeting with Andrei Kelin to discuss Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch a “wide-scale invasion” on its neighbours on Thursday morning.

The expulsion of Russian diplomats remains an option for the UK government in a bid to reduce Russia’s intelligence levers. However, expulsion could hamper communication channels as the crisis unfolds further.

EU ministers decided as a bloc yesterday not to expel Russian ambassadors but added that “this and other possible diplomatic measures remain on the table”.